The finest Kiwi hospitality venues have been recognised at Hospitality New Zealand’s 22st annual Awards for Excellence gala dinner, held in Napier, with over 300 attendees from all around the country.
Hospitality New Zealand’s Acting Chief Executive Julie White, said “The judges all agreed that the standard was exceptionally high this year – not only from the winners, but the finalists as well.”
An intensive judging process by a panel of independent industry professionals considered many aspects of the finalists’ businesses. These included staff training and human resources, customer service, food and beverage offerings, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.
The 2019 Supreme Award winner was Tantaulus Estate, Waiheke Island, who also picked up the Best Restaurant Award sponsored by Hospitality Business magazine. Since winning Best Destination Venue in the same awards event last year, the judges said, “the venue is simply a level above anything else we’ve experienced. Everything is polished”
“This year’s Supreme winner epitomised excellence in all areas of their business. The owners have developed a wonderful product and the team they’ve put together to manage the delivery, is exceptional and deserves to be scored at the highest level. While the restaurant isn’t trying to position itself as a 5-star destination, they certainly provide a full 5-star experience,” according to the judges.
The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence proudly honour the achievements of the hardworking, talented and competitive people who make hospitality and accommodation throughout New Zealand exceptional and memorable.
The full list of winners is as follows:
Supreme Winner – Tantalus Estate, Waiheke Island
Best Hotel – Bolton Hotel, Wellington
Best Motel – The St James, Hanmer Springs (2nd year in a row)
Best Country Hotel – Cardrona Hotel, Wanaka (2nd year in a row)
Best Café – Neo Café & Eatery, Wellington
Best Bar – D4 on Featherston, Wellington
Best Neighbourhood Bar and Eatery – No. 4 Bar & Restaurant, Christchurch
Best Restaurant – Tantalus Estate, Waiheke Island
Best Luxury Accommodation – Wharekauhau Country Estate, Featherston
Excellence in Gaming – Hennessy’s Irish Bar, Rotorua
Best Redeveloped F&B – Top Hut Bar & Bistro, Twizel
Best Redeveloped Hotel – QT Hotel, Wellington
Best Environmental/Sustainable Business – Hobbiton, Matamata
Best New Business – Food & Beverage – White + Wong’s, Queenstown
Excellence in Host Responsibility – Functionmaster, Wellington (2nd year in a row)
Excellence in Training and Staff Development – The Trusts, Auckland
Excellence in Marketing – QT Hotel, Wellington
Best Destination Venue – Fiordland Lodge, Ta Anau
People’s Choice – Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell