2degrees Queenstown Business Awards finalists announced following record number of entries.
The judges’ results are in, and the Queenstown Business Chamber is excited to announce the finalists for the 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards 2025.
The number of entries and excellence on display broke a record number at 154 entries across the nine categories which Chamber Chief Executive Sharon Fifield says show the calibre of business in our district.
“I’d like to thank the enormous effort from the judges in reviewing all the entries and choosing the finalists. I’d also like to congratulate all entrants who took the time to put their best foot forward, Queenstown businesses are truly world class.”
The judging panel comprised of returning Head Judge Dr John Guthrie MNZM, Mat Woods (Destination Queenstown), Victoria Crockford (Heft), Frank Gibbons (Air New Zealand) and Meghan Pagey (InContext Consulting).
Head Judge John Guthrie was impressed with the calibre of entries this year, “154 entries in a regional Business Awards - that is stunning! Is it a South Island record? And what's more the entries go way beyond the tourism industry related companies you would expect. Not only is the range of mostly locally owned and operated businesses that entered awards amazing but also the quality and depth of entry was outstanding.”
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Saturday November 8 for which will be a night of celebration and entertainment, with some exceptional local wines from Queenstown Business partner, Gibbston Valley. Tickets for the Business ‘party of the year’ are on sale midday Thursday Oct 166h.
The finalists are:
Excellence in Sustainability and Environmental Business Practice sponsored by Destination Queenstown
- The Headwaters Eco Lodge
- Queenstown Airport
- Country Lane
Excellence in Community Contribution sponsored by SkyCity Queenstown
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving
- 45South Foundation
- Pivotal Point
Excellence in Customer Experience, sponsored by Kingpin Queenstown
- Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
- Glenorchy Air
- Ziptrek Ecotours
- NZSki
Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Polestar
- Kauati Ltd
- EpicShot
- Canyon Brewing
Excellence in Marketing sponsored by Shotover Creative
- Cardrona Alpine Resort
- AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
- NZSki
Employer of the Year sponsored by RealNZ
- Kinross
- Hotel St Moritz Queenstown -MGallery Collection
- Future Hospitality Group
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Queenstown Airport
- Ben Hudson Architects
- Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours
- The Boat Shed Bakery
Excellence in Professional Services and Business Solutions sponsored by Lane Neave Lawyers
- Jane Guy Coaching
- Medenterprises
- Both Brains
The Good Sort Award, sponsored by Hamish Walker of Walker & Co Realty
- Jenni Powell
- Richard Thomas
- Stu Clark
- Michael Sly
The popular People’s Choice award sponsored by Mountain Scene opens for voting today, with all category winners, including the Supreme award winner to be announced at the Awards Gala Saturday 8th November.
Best of luck to all finalists for the big night!
