Three Glacier Country Finalists at the 2025 NZ Tourism Awards

Celebrating Glacier Country Finalists at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards

The New Zealand Tourism Awards are the industry’s highest accolades recognising outstanding businesses and individuals who are shaping the future of tourism. They set the benchmark for excellence, celebrating innovation, leadership, sustainability and unforgettable visitor experiences.

This year three Glacier Country organisations have been named as finalists, a fantastic recognition of the passion, hard work and innovation happening right here on the West Coast.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides sharing stories and landscapes that leave a lasting impression.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides – Finalist in the NZME Visitor Experience Award

For more than 30 years Franz Josef Glacier Guides has been sharing the magic of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere / Franz Josef Glacier with visitors from around the world. Their guides bring the stories of this incredible landscape to life with expertise and care. Their engaging and innovative Tiaki Trail has been praised as a meaningful and authentic way to inspire visitors to care for the environment while deepening connection to this awe-inspiring landscape.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours a family business creating adventures and supporting its people.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours – Finalist Tourism Talent Employer Choice Award

What began as a small kayak operation has grown into a Qualmark Gold business offering quad bike adventures, rainforest experiences and boat cruises. At the heart of Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a strong workplace culture where mentoring, staff development and hands-on leadership are priorities. The judges highlighted the team’s ability to support and empower staff while balancing the challenges of operating in a remote environment proving that even a small, family-owned business can create a high-performing, supportive workplace.

The Okarito Plant Project – working together to restore and protect South Westland’s biodiversity

Okarito Plant Project – Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Tourism Collaboration Award 2025

The Ōkārito Plant Project is a regenerative initiative co-founded by the Ōkārito Native Plant Trust, local and international tourism operators, landowners and Development West Coast’s Nature Economy Project. This grassroots collaboration is restoring biodiversity and demonstrating how tourism can be a force for good, benefiting both communities and nature. Judges applauded the project for its strong local partnerships and its alignment with sustainability and regenerative tourism principles.

Winners will be announced at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on 29 October 2025 at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.