2025 Finalists Announced 23rd of May!
The 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are well underway! As the premier hospitality awards programme in Aotearoa, this is where we celebrate the industry’s highest achievers and the incredible mahi happening across the motu.
Now in its 27th year, the Awards for Excellence honour outstanding businesses and individuals across the hospitality and accommodation sectors. From bars and cafés to hotels, motels, and entertainment venues, our finalists represent the very best in the business.
Why Attend the Awards Night?
✅ Celebrate with the industry’s finest – connect, network and be inspired
✅ Support your peers and recognise their outstanding achievements
✅ Be part of an unforgettable evening that showcases excellence in hospitality
✅ Enjoy great food, entertainment and the best of Kiwi hospitality
Get Your Tickets Now
2025 Award Categories
Business Awards for Excellence proudly sponsored by Lion
- Best Destination Venue
- Best Local sponsored by Sky
- Best Gaming Venue sponsored by Next Payments
- Best Entertainment Venue sponsored by One Music
- Best Bar sponsored by Campari
- Best Cafe sponsored by Noel Leeming
- Best Restaurant sponsored by Transactor
- Best Hotel sponsored by Sleepyhead
- Best Motel sponsored by Seekom
- Best Accommodation Provider (Non-Hotel/Motel) sponsored by Both Brains
- Sustainability Champion Award sponsored by Dulux
- Peoples Choice (public voted) sponsored by TAB
- Hall of Fame sponsored by Lion
People's Awards for Excellence proudly sponsored by DB
- Accommodation Industry Leader of the Year sponsored by Guest Traction
- Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year sponsored by DB
- Michael Friend, Supplier of the Year sponsored by HNZ
- Future Leader of the Year sponsored by Loaded
- Chef of the Year sponsored by Service IQ
Key Dates
-
Entries Closed: 9 April 202
- People Choice Voting Closes 12 May
- Judging period: 12–23 May
- Finalists announced: Friday, 23rd of May
-
Winners Announced at the Awards Gala: 10 & 11 June 2025
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the biggest celebration in New Zealand’s hospitality calendar. Buy your tickets today and join us as we crown this year’s champions!
