RealNZ Supreme Winner at NZ Tourism awards

Last night’s celebration of the New Zealand tourism industry at the TIA Awards finished with RealNZ taking the Supreme Tourism Award back to the Deep South – and they couldn’t be prouder.

RealNZ also took the win in both category awards they were finalists in; the Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business), and the Tourism Environment Award. The Tourism Champion Award went to the International Antarctic Centre’s David Kennedy.

Judges noted RealNZ’s “unwavering commitment to sustainability” and lauded the business as a “jewel in the crown of the country’s tourism industry”.

RealNZ’s experiences are spread over the lower South Island, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound adventures, Walter Peak, TSS Earnslaw steamship, Spirit of Queenstown, Stewart Island, Cardrona and Treble Cone ski areas, Queenstown rafting and more.

CEO Dave Beeche said the recognition reflects both the business’ rich history, and RealNZ’s continued commitment to experience delivery and conservation.

“RealNZ was founded 70 years ago this year, with a foundation of delivering exceptional experiences while being at the forefront of New Zealand conservation. That is a legacy we are proud to continue to this day through the energy and passion of every single team member. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognised by the judges for this mahi.”

Beeche says RealNZ’s purpose is to help the world fall in love with conservation. Supporting this, the business’ key conservation projects include the Cooper Island Restoration, Walter Peak reforestation, the Kākāriki Karaka translocation to Anchor Island, Takahe Relocation/Rees Valley Sanctuary, and study of the Kārearea/NZ Falcon.

Heading back to the South with three awards in his baggage, Dave’s message to RealNZ staff today was simple: it doesn’t stop here.

“It’s up to us to keep shaking things up, going the extra mile, and making a difference so that every guest leaves with a great story to tell,” he says.