Well done to two Coromandel tourism businesses that have achieved finalist status in the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Hahei Explorer is a finalist in the Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award, while Glass Bottom Boat is a finalist in the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Tourism Excellence Award.
“We are a small family-owned operation, so recognition on the national stage is very special for us. Hahei Explorer has been in operation since 1992. This is the second year in a row we have been named finalists, so we’re pretty stoked!” said Jess Harnett and Tom Bromhead.
Glass Bottom Boat owners Mark and Hayley Jones are also celebrating the recognition.
“We are so excited to announce that we have been selected as finalists for both the Hauraki-Coromandel Business Awards as well as the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Tourism Awards. Thank you to everyone that has sent a message, left a comment or popped in to say well done. Also a huge congratulations to all the other finalists. We look forward to celebrating these award evenings with everyone.”
The New Zealand Tourism Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses from across the tourism industry, recognising excellence, innovation and leadership, while providing inspiration to other tourism businesses.
This year marked a second record-breaking year in a row for the awards, with 177 entries received. The awards include three individual categories recognising outstanding performers in the industry, and eleven business categories celebrating business excellence, industry alignment and organisations that are living the values of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment.
Winners will be announced at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on 4 November 2026 at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Well done to both Hahei Explorer and Glass Bottom Boat on this outstanding achievement!
