Hospo NZ Awards for Excellence winners

The winners of the 2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence have been revealed after two nights of celebrations during the HNZ26 Conference in Rotorua.

The Business Awards for Excellence were announced at a black-tie event at Energy Events Centre with Hawke’s Bay’s Craggy Range the stand-out winner, with the Supreme Award as well as Best Destination Venue and Best Boutique and Luxury Accommodation.

TALA in Auckland was named Best Restaurant while The Hotel Britomart was named Best Hotel. The People’s Choice Award went to Little Savanna, with the public voting the Palmerston North eatery as the clear favourite.

Supreme Winner Craggy Range with Minister Louise Upston & HNZ CEO Kristy Phillips

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Kristy Phillips says the awards come at an important time for the sector. “Hospitality and accommodation businesses of all sizes are working tirelessly to provide guests across the motu with the space to connect, socialise and unwind. These awards recognise the hospitality businesses at the top of their game and the passion, innovation and work-ethic of those making these venues the very best in New Zealand.”

Business Awards for Excellence winners:

·       Best Destination Venue – Craggy Range

·       Best Local – Sprig + Ferm Berhampore

·       Best Gaming Venue – Woodbourne Tavern & Motels

·       Best Entertainment Venue – The Tahi Bar + Kitchen

·       Best Bar – Little Blackwood

·       Best Café – odd saint

·       Best Restaurant – TALA

·       Best Hotel – The Hotel Britomart

·       Best Motel – The Bealey Quarter

·       Best Accommodation Provider (non-hotel/motel) – Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass

·       Best Boutique or Luxury Accommodation – Craggy Range

·       Supreme Winner – Craggy Range

·       People’s Choice Award – Little Savanna

·       Hall of Fame Inductee – Marty Fuller

The night before, those behind some of the country’s best hospitality and accommodation businesses were recognised at the 2026 People’s Awards for Excellence.

People’s Awards for Excellence winners:

·       Accommodation Leader of the Year – Yuri Oliveira (DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington)

·       Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year – Nick Rogers (The Experience Collective)

·       Chef of the Year – Wallace Mua (Trivet @ JW Marriott Auckland)

·       Future Leader of the Year – Victoria Alexander (Nauti Penguin)

·       Michael Friend Supplier of the Year – Jenni Powell (Both Brains)

The 2027 HNZ conference and awards will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.