The Tourism Award recognises the outstanding contribution an operator or group has made by providing excellent visitor experiences in the Selwyn district for domestic and/or international visitors as well as contributing to the wider Selwyn tourism sector.
To vote for your favourite applicant in this category, click on the VOTE NOW button. Please note, you can only vote for one applicant per category and you must supply a valid email address to accompany your vote.
Voting is now closed
GLENLOTHIAN FARM
Glenlothian Farm provides a programme that educates local, non local, and international patrons on the minority breeds introduced to New Zealand that are dangerously close to being irreplaceable. They also contribute to the regeneration of species through breeding.
FABLE TERRACE DOWNS RESORT
Fable Terrace Downs Resort is a year-round resort, bringing in tourism from all parts of the world. From exhilarating outdoor adventures during the summer months to luxurious ski vacations in the winter, the establishment caters to a diverse range of clientele. With a commitment to providing nothing but the best hospitality experience, it has earned us a reputation as one of the top resorts in the region. The Resort’s marketing efforts target both national and international guests, introducing them to the beauty and charm of Selwyn. Additionally, it’s conference and event spaces attract corporate clients and event-goers who often return to the area for future holidays.
VINTAGE FEST NZ
Vintage Fest NZ (VFNZ) began in 2022 as an inclusive community event for everyone to enjoy, including families, vintage lovers, stall owners, car enthusiasts, musicians, photographers, older people and children, and attracted travellers from across the district and wider South Island, and overseas. The event includes the Miss Vintage Australasia pageant for women of all ages, shapes, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. VFNZ saw visitors travel to Selwyn and book out motels, dine in local eateries, shop in stores, and support the area financially with great feedback received. This year, it aims to continue this with even more people travelling from around the nation and a large group coming from Australia.
MOUNT WHITE STATION
Mount White Station’s contribution to tourism stems from its commitment to offering a unique and authentic high-country experience that was previously inaccessible to the public. Since opening to guests in September 2022, significant strides have been made in promoting and enhancing the tourism potential of this remarkable property. Located amidst the Southern Alps, Mount White Station provides a perfect setting for activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It also runs the Our Pollen to Plate beekeeping experience which allows visitors to learn about the source of their food. The Station also looks to make a difference in the community, such as sponsoring the Malvern A&P show and the Ōtira Tunnel Commemorations in 2023.
FLOCKHILL LODGE
Flockhill Lodge is a luxury lodge in the Canterbury high country that has created a new experiential destination for an overseas and domestic market.
THE HORORATA COMMUNITY TRUST
The Hororata Community Trust (HCT) was registered as a charitable trust in August 2011 to help rebuild the community following the September 2010 earthquakes. The Trust covers a large geographic area, including Hororata, Coalgate, Glentunnel, Whitecliffs, Glenroy, Windwhistle, and Lake Coleridge. Their vision is 'To provide the resources to promote, foster, and develop Hororata and its wider community.' In 2022, it enabled and promoted 28 events in the local area. These were events run by the HCT and other community groups for their own causes, including major events Hororata Highland Games and Hororata Glow Festival, and smaller events like The Hororata Mechanical Swap Meet and Christmas in the Domain.
THE HERBAL GARDEN
The Herbal Garden promotes sustainable and responsible tourism by showcasing the principles of organic gardening and permaculture, and educating visitors about the importance of ecological balance, biodiversity, and the preservation of natural resources. By implementing eco-friendly practices in our garden and production processes, visitors are inspired to adopt similar approaches in their own garden. The Herbal Garden offers engaging and informative workshops on herb cultivation, herbal teas, making skincare products, and highlighting the benefits of using natural ingredients. The garden tours give visitors a first-hand experience of permaculture techniques. By sharing this knowledge and expertise, they hope to empower people to make informed choices and encourage them to support local, sustainable businesses.
LAKE COLERIDGE TOURISM GROUP INCORPORATED
Lake Coleridge Tourism Group originated 23 years ago in response to a need in the district for tourism infrastructure, and helped set up variety individual rural tourism businesses based from Windwhistle to the head of north side of the Rakaia valley. The group has advocated for district improvements and has been instrumental in creating jobs and activities in the district. Its first big project was creating a history of the district book, The West of Windwhistle, which is now on its third reprint. Book sales are providing financial stability for the group which has stood the test of time and has grown from eight to 22 members.
TRESILLIAN TRUFFLES
Tresillian Truffles is the largest producer of white bianchetto tuber borchii truffles in the Southern Hemisphere and has established itself as a pioneer in truffle cultivation, while also promoting the Selwyn district as a culinary destination. In 2021, the company successfully exported truffles to Japan, becoming the first to accomplish this milestone. Its white truffles were showcased in a prestigious event hosted by the New Zealand ambassador in Tokyo, captivating Michelin-star chefs and creating a direct market for the produce. Degustation truffle events and rustic truffle lunches held during the peak truffle season have become sought-after experiences for tourists. About 80% of attendees come from outside the district.
NZ LOOK SHUTTLES LIMITED
NZ Look Shuttles is an established brand in the Christchurch and Selwyn regions with a healthy corporate and private client base. It was born in 2017 as a small, family-run airport shuttle business delighting customers in the Lincoln and Rolleston area. The team are adventure and travel lovers at heart and found their happy place welcoming travellers from around the world to Canterbury. The company prides itself on its six immaculate vans and knowledgeable drivers that work with the mentality that nothing is too much trouble. With high expectations around service, it continues to deliver exceptional value and support that includes simple point-to-point ground transport or tailored options for small and large groups.
BROADFIELD GARDEN LIMITED
Broadfield Garden showcases New Zealand native plants and varieties of exotic plants in a carefully designed setting of more than three hectares, with 20 different sections. Established over the last 30 years, the garden includes Kauri forest with more than 100 trees and over 100 species of other Kauri forest trees, shrubs, climbers and ferns. It has a large beech forest; grass viewing mound; large vegetable garden with bees; fruit cage and espalier; camellias; rhododendrons; roses; a 140m canal; sedge pond; lowland forest; many daffodils; wetland forest; a very large oval; oak lawn and more.
RHODODIRECT
RhodoDirect, a specialist rhododendron nursery, has contributed to tourism through its networking efforts, support of tour operators, and provision of unique visitor experiences. With a dedication to creating meaningful journeys, RhodoDirect actively networks with groups of people, helping them select a diverse range of gardens to visit along with other areas of interest in Selwyn, to ensure their journeys are worthwhile and memorable. RhodoDirect draws visitors from across New Zealand. Its display garden boasts an impressive array of over 700 rhododendron varieties, providing a captivating experience for enthusiasts and garden lovers.
LANGDALE VINEYARD RESTAURANT
Langdale vineyard restaurant contributes to local/regional tourism. The venue is very popular for weddings, celebrations and functions of many kinds. Guests come from all over New Zealand and many from overseas. All appreciate the rural setting and the warm welcome they receive at Langdale. Although weddings and functions are Langdales prime focus, weekend lunches provide another opportunity for visitors to experience Selwyn hospitality.