The finalists have been announced for the 2024 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence and the list includes well-established favourites as well as fresh newcomers to the industry.
Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are the longest-running, most prestigious national awards that honour the achievements of the hardworking and talented people who are the heart and soul of New Zealand’s accommodation and food and beverage sectors.
Now in its 26th year, the awards, which are hosted by Hospitality New Zealand, will be announced at ceremonies held across two nights in July, recognising both businesses and people.
The business awards, sponsored by Lion New Zealand, celebrate the excellent businesses across the hospitality industry. Award categories include Best Destination Venue, Best Restaurant, Best Café, Best Hotel, Best Motel and more.
The People Awards, sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, recognise exceptional people in the hospitality industry. Categories include Hospitality Leader of the Year, Accommodation Leader of the Year, Future Leader of the Year, Chef of the Year, and Supplier of the Year.
The People’s Choice Award is the only publicly voted award in the annual awards, with all other categories decided on by a panel of judges.
Steve Armitage, Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive, says those judging the awards had no easy task.
“We were thrilled by the number of high calibre entries to this year’s awards - I know that the judges had a tough time whittling them down to the selected finalists,” said Armitage.
“Many operators and staff in the hospitality and accommodation sector go above and beyond to provide exceptional manaakitanga to their communities and customers, and while we can’t award each and everyone, it’s great to be able to give recognition to those at the top of their game and celebrate the industry as a whole.”
Lion has been a long-time sponsor of the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, and Craig Baldie, Managing Director of Lion NZ, said the awards are an annual highlight for the industry.
“We are delighted to support the Awards again this year. The bar continues to be raised and we look forward to celebrating the epitome of excellence in our wonderful industry,” said Baldie.
The awards ceremonies will be held on 30 and 31 July, in Christchurch and will coincide with #HNZ24 – a two-day conference and trade show tailored specifically for the hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Finalists:
OneMusic
Best Entertainment Venue
Jack Hackett's & Four Kings
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery
Strawberry Tree Kaikoura Limited
The Tahi Bar & Kitchen
Sleepyhead
Best Hotel
Fable Auckland
Kamana Lakehouse
Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
The Hotel Britomart
Next Payments
Best Gaming Venue
Richmond Club
Smith & McKenzie Steak House
Woodbourne Tavern & Motels
Gallagher Insurance
Supreme Winner
The Supreme Award goes to the award winner who stood out the most from all our finalists, exemplifying what it is to provide excellent hospitality in New Zealand.
Best Destination Venue
Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar
Craggy Range Vineyards
The Common Cafe and Garden Bar
Thirsty Acres
Wharekauhau Country Estate
Best Local
CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Kaiapoi
Smash Palace
Smith & McKenzie Steak House
The Keg Room
The Thistle Inn
Best Bar
Bad Habits
Fantail & Turtle
Heyday Beer Co
Kaiser Brew Garden
Little Blackwood
Market ST
Best Cafe
Hello Sunday
Lot 2
Majestic at Mayfair
Best Restaurant
Cooke's Restaurant & Bar
Craggy Range Restaurant
Metita
Portlander Bar & Grill
Strawberry Tree Kaikoura Limited
White + Wong's Viaduct (Auckland)
Best Motel
Palazzo Motor Lodge Nelson
Radfords on the Lake
Whangaparaoa Lodge
Best Accommodation Provider
Craggy Range Vineyards
LyLo Auckland
Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park
Ramada Suites by Wyndham, Nautilus Orewa
Ross Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Sustainability Champion Award
Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar
Hotel Give | The Kind Foundation
Wharekauhau Country Estate
People's Choice Award
The winners are determined through a public voting system, where both the members of Hospitality New Zealand and the community have a say in the final decision, with nominees chosen from the list of finalists.
