The results are in for the 2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence with the finalists including everything from familiar world-class venues to boutique new entrants.
LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence celebrate the people, businesses and teams raising the bar across the hospitality and accommodation sectors in Aotearoa.
Hospitality New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Kristy Phillips, says, “The awards provide an opportunity to showcase success stories, recognise outstanding leadership, innovation and customer experience, and celebrate the creativity and resilience of New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sector.
“We are always blown away by the calibre of entries, and this year is no exception. Not only are these people and places powering our industry, they’re also inspiring the next generation.”
Finalists this year include familiar venues from Botswana Butchery Queenstown and kingi, to new entrants from 1866 Speakeasy Bar, Little Savanna and Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass.
The finalists were independently judged on a raft of criteria from innovation, sustainability and service to earn them national recognition.
The public now has the opportunity to vote on their favourite finalist for the People’s Choice Awards.
The awards will be presented over two evenings at HNZ26 Conference in Rotorua on 23 and 24 June. The People’s Awards for Excellence, proudly sponsored by DB Breweries, recognises outstanding individuals, from emerging talent and inspirational leaders. The LION Hospitality Business Awards, sponsored by LION, will spotlight venues who are setting the standard in innovation, sustainability, customer experience, and overall excellence.
LION Chief Operating Officer and New Zealand Country Director, Craig Baldie, congratulated this year’s finalists: “We’re incredibly proud to continue our long-standing support of the Business Awards for Excellence. The finalists showcase the exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication in our industry – they are truly world class, and we look forward to celebrating their leadership and achievements.”
Managing Director at DB Breweries, Peter Hart, says: “We’re proud to support the People’s Awards for Excellence again this year. The people are what drive the industry to success and it’s a privilege to celebrate and recognise those who do an exceptional job in creating unforgettable experiences. A big congratulations to all finalists.”
The finalists’ announcement sets the stage for HNZ26, where hundreds of industry professionals will gather to connect and learn across two full days of sector-focussed content.
The full list of finalists can be found here. All finalists are automatically entered into the People’s Choice category and can be voted on here.