The night of the Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards 2025 lit up Rarotonga, celebrating the resilience and innovation of an industry that has successfully reinvented itself. It was an evening of great emotion—the first major award event of this scale since 2020—where the tourism community gathered to chart the course for the future.
The Supreme Winner: Motu Beachfront Art Villas
The main star of the evening was Motu Beachfront Art Villas, taking home the coveted Air New Zealand Supreme Award, alongside crucial awards for environmental commitment and business excellence. Their dedication to luxurious hospitality, deeply rooted in respect for the ecosystem, convinced the judges on all fronts, setting a new benchmark for our islands.
Our Milestone: Vodafone Emerging Tourism Leader
Amidst these hospitality giants, there was a special moment when the name Ariimoana Walkabouts echoed through the room, awarded the Vodafone Emerging Tourism Leader Award.
Being recognized as emerging leaders in such a competitive landscape is an extraordinary validation of our “Reef to Ridge” approach. It is a triumph for slow tourism, dedicated to a maximum of 6 guests at a time, ensuring a genuine experience far removed from mass tourism dynamics. This award is the result of the hard work of our entire operational team—a tight-knit crew of three humans and four very active 4-legged friends—who strive every day to help you discover the most authentic and wild soul of Rarotonga.
A Future Built on Authenticity
Beyond our milestone and that of Motu Beachfront, the evening celebrated the tireless work of several other local businesses, from historic establishments to new ventures in the Pa Enua. The message from the 2025 Awards is loud and clear: the future of tourism in the Cook Islands is increasingly focused on authenticity, the celebration of local culture, and environmental protection.
We are proud to be part of this change and cannot wait to keep walking in this direction, welcoming you on our next excursions.
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