Aroha Drinks

The Coes range of glass bottle sodas helps to draw attention to the natural beauty of the district and re-imagine story for the Coes Ford recreational reserve, an iconic tourism area for the district.

Manawa Retreat

Manawa Retreat offers a distinctive and deeply restorative destination, seamlessly blending nature, community, and holistic wellness. Located in the serene Waikirikiri Selwyn, our intentionally designed space provides a sanctuary for rest, rejuvenation, and meaningful connection. We host a range of enriching experiences, from weekend wellness escapes and movement immersions to personalised retreats and workshops focused on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our offerings are thoughtfully crafted, integrating professional expertise in naturopathy, nutrition, yoga, and fitness, all grounded in the Māori values of manaakitanga (hospitality and care) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship and stewardship of the land). Our retreat is designed to deeply nourish our guests while showcasing the natural beauty of our surroundings. We are seeking consideration for this award because we believe Manawa Retreat embodies a progressive approach to regenerative and values-driven tourism.

Rolleston Market

The Rolleston Market is a well-established and regular destination for both Selwyn and Canterbury residents alike. I provide an alternative shopping experience for the community by bringing together a large quantity of artisans and small businesses in the one easily accessible location, the Rolleston Community Centre. I also organise a monthly food truck event at the Salvation Army – Generation House which is an extremely popular event for the locals. This partnership creates an inclusive community experience and provides exposure for the Salvation Army who in return give back to the community.

Hororata Community Trust

For 14 years, the Hororātā Community Trust has delivered exceptional, large-scale events that have put Hororātā and the wider Waikirikiri Selwyn region firmly on the map. Through the iconic Hororātā Highland Games and the Hororātā Glow Festival, we have attracted nearly 200,000 attendees since 2011, delivering unforgettable, uniquely local experiences that celebrate our rural identity and cultural diversity. The Highland Games welcomes 10,000 people annually, showcasing Scottish heritage with a Kiwi twist, the biggest Scottish festival in the Southern Hemisphere. The biennial Glow Festival, a sold out event three times running attended by 11,000, has created a signature Selwyn event totally unique in the South Island offering a magical family night. They are a shining example of how community-led events with a focus on attracting visitors from outside the region can have huge economic and social benefits to a rural area.

NZ Look Shuttles

At NZ Look Shuttles, we take pride in offering an outstanding customer experience, with a simple rule: deliver the best possible service to every passenger. Since starting as a small, family-run shuttle business in Lincoln and Rolleston in 2017, we’ve grown into a proudly locally owned brand serving Christchurch and the Selwyn region. We’re part of a connected business group – NZ Look Shuttles, Christchurch Combined Shuttles, and BigSkyWonder – working together to showcase the very best of our region. From smooth transport to guided night-sky adventures, we’re all about celebrating local experiences with lasting impact. We connect visitors with memorable moments and help promote the unique charm and sustainability of Selwyn. We show resilience and determination everday, emerging stronger and more committed to delivering exceptional service. With 10 immaculate vehicles, we offer everything from point-to-point transfers to fully tailored options for small and large groups.

Memorys Cafe & Restaurant

Memorys Restaurant is a unique hospitality destination that has significantly contributed to Selwyn’s growing tourism profile by offering an exceptional dining experience in a truly memorable setting. Nestled in The Barn, surrounded by the serene countryside of Waikirikiri Selwyn, Memorys blends rustic charm with modern, thoughtful service. We offer more than just a meal – we offer a heartfelt experience rooted in connection, community, and quality. Our focus is on wholesome, locally inspired food crafted with care, using ingredients that reflect the richness of the Selwyn region. With a commitment to warm, genuine hospitality, we create a space where locals and visitors alike feel welcomed and valued. Memorys also plays a key role in attracting visitors to the district through hosting bespoke events, from intimate weddings to community gatherings and wellness retreats. These events draw guests from Christchurch and beyond, generating tourism flow and economic benefit for the wider region.

Thirsty Acres

“Enjoyed by Locals. Sought out by the Traveller.” These words form part of the mission statement for Thirsty Acres, a thriving hospitality business in the rural town of Kirwee, in the heart of Waikirikiri Selwyn District. From the very beginning Thirsty Acres (formerly the Kirwee Tavern) set out to tell a story of the parched land that makes up the Canterbury Plains and the pioneering water-race scheme that brought water to ‘these Thirsty Acres.’ With water the plains became abundant and with the resulting produce we feed and water locals and travellers alike.

Glenlothian Farm

At Glenlothian Farm, we believe great destinations aren’t always the loudest — they’re the ones that leave people changed. We’re one of Aotearoa’s only rare breed farms open to the public, and the only one in Selwyn offering hands-on access to endangered livestock breeds. Families, schools, tourists, disability groups, and seniors connect here — not just with animals, but with something meaningful, hands-on, and heart-led. Visitors meet Arapawa goats, Enderby rabbits, and Canterbury Blue pigs — heritage breeds tied to New Zealand’s rural past. They feed lambs, hear stories, and experience a kind of tourism that’s real, rural, and rooted in care. We host 1,000–1,500 visitors each year. Around 60% are families, 20% are education/disability groups, and 20% are domestic or international tourists. With an average spend of $30 per group, Glenlothian contributes $30,000–$45,000 annually to local tourism — through entry, onsite market stalls, and referrals that encourage visitors to explore cafés, events, and attractions across Selwyn. We reinvest every dollar into animal care, infrastructure, and education.