Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone’s parent company scooped the Supreme Tourism Award at the the Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) awards on Wednesday night (November 6).

RealNZ’s companies are spread over the lower South Island and in addition to the two local ski fields they include Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound adventures, Walter Peak, TSS Earnslaw steamship, Spirit of Queenstown and more.

Judges noted RealNZ’s “unwavering commitment to sustainability” and lauded the business as a “jewel in the crown of the country’s tourism industry”.

Its conservation projects include the Cardrona Alpine Resort project to study the Kārearea/NZ Falcon, which was recently extended for another five years.

Read more: Five-year milestone for Kārearea study

RealNZ CEO Dave Beeche said the recognition by TIA reflects both the business’ rich history, and RealNZ’s continued commitment to experience delivery and conservation.

“RealNZ was founded 70 years ago this year, with a foundation of delivering exceptional experiences while being at the forefront of New Zealand conservation,” he said.

“That is a legacy we are proud to continue to this day through the energy and passion of every single team member. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognised by the judges for this mahi.”

Dave said he was excited to head back to the ‘deep south’ with the award.

“It’s up to us to keep shaking things up, going the extra mile, and making a difference so that every guest leaves with a great story to tell,” he said.

As well as the Supreme Tourism Award, Real NZ also won both category awards it was a finalist in: the Johnston's Coachlines Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business), and the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award. 

PHOTO: Supplied