Last hosted in 2020, before the Cook Islands came to a halt when borders shut, The Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards are the industry’s most anticipated event with winners announced at the Awards Gala event on Saturday 27 September 2025, at the National Auditorium Domes.

In addition to the Business Category winners, recipients of six Special Awards and the coveted Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Air New Zealand Supreme Award (overall winner for the night) will also be announced.

Business Category Awards:
• Culture
• Environment
• Business Excellence Award
• Adventure/Eco-Tourism Award
• Customer Care Award
• Visitor Experience
• Employer of the Year
• Community Development
• Marketing

In addition to these Awards, additional winners will be selected from all applications in Special Categories.

• Emerging Tourism Leader
• Family Friendly
• Social Media Guru
• Business Sustainability
• Outstanding Kia Orana Spirit
• Business Person of the Year