The winners of the 2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence have been announced – and include both long-time favourites and stand-out newcomers.
The winners were recognised at a black-tie event at Energy Events Centre in Rotorua last night.
Craggy Range was the night’s stand out winner, taking out three awards - the Supreme Award as well as Best Destination Venue and Best Boutique and Luxury Accommodation. The venue was the recipient of the Supreme Award just two years ago.
TALA 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.
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.
“To see the industry join together to reflect on achievements, cheer on one another, and inspire the next generation, is truly moving,” Phillips said.
Kristine Kilpatrick, Craggy Range Head of People and Hospitality, who accepted the awards on behalf of Hawke’s Bay’s Craggy Range says the honour affirmed the team’s unwavering dedication to delivering world-class experiences.
“These awards recognise the hard work of our teams, our dedicated suppliers, and our incredible guests for their continued support. We strive to deliver memorable hospitality experiences, and these awards are a fantastic acknowledgement of everyone at Craggy Range and the passion we put into what we do every day”
LION Chief Operating Officer and New Zealand Country Director, Craig Baldie, congratulated the winners and finalists:
“These awards showcase the exceptional talent, innovation and commitment of those in the industry to deliver world-class experiences, even in what is a tough operating environment. We’re incredibly proud to continue our long-standing support of the Business Awards for Excellence and to celebrate the achievements of all involved.”
The Business Awards for Excellence close out the two-day HNZ26 Conference, held 23-24 June in Rotorua. The 2027 conference and awards will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.
Full list of winners:
- Best Destination Venue, sponsored by Duncan Cotterill – Craggy Range
- Best Local, sponsored by Shift4 – Sprig + Fern Berhampore
- Best Gaming Venue, sponsored by Next Payments – Woodbourne Tavern & Motels
- Best Entertainment Venue, sponsored by OneMusic New Zealand – The Tahi Bar + Kitchen
- Best Bar, sponsored by Sky – Little Blackwood
- Best Café, sponsored by Bidfood – odd saint
- Best Restaurant, sponsored by Service IQ – TALA
- Best Hotel, sponsored by Mews – The Hotel Britomart
- Best Motel, sponsored by Sleepyhead Commercial – The Bealey Quarter
- Best Accommodation Provider (non-hotel/motel), sponsored by Both Brains – Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass
- Best Boutique or Luxury Accommodation, sponsored by Noel Leeming Commercial – Craggy Range
- Supreme Winner, sponsored by Tanda – Craggy Range
- People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Dulux – Little Savanna
- Hall of Fame Inductee, sponsored by LION – Marty Fuller