Canopy Tours scoops top award (+video&pics)

The accolades just keep coming for Rotorua Canopy Tours, who have tonight taken out the Supreme Award at the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards.

The tourism operation that mixes ziplining through the trees with conservation efforts won the Attractions Business Awards and Excellence in Sustainable Practices Awards earlier in the evening, before scooping the top prize.

The judges said Canopy Tours did a fantastic job of celebrating and promoting all that was wonderful about Rotorua and the region - its beautiful natural environment and opportunities for adventure.

Image 1 of 39: Supreme winners Canopy Tours.

The judges said they were "simply blown away" by the commitment to conservation, pursuit of business excellence and the drive for a 100 per cent world class experience.

Earlier this month Canopy Tours claimed three titles at the New Zealand Tourism Awards - including the industry's high accolade, the Supreme Tourism Award.

Tonight's glittering awards evening was held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, with DJ Max Key and Kiwi singer Anika Moa entertaining the large crowd.

Property developer Ray Cook took out the night's other big award, being named Rotorua Business Person of the Year.

See Monday's Rotorua Daily Post for full coverage and more photos.

Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards 2016
Category winners:

Holland Beckett Lawyers - Manufacturing and Trade Business Award: Volcanic Hills Winery

Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings Limited - Retail Business Award: Domino's Rotorua

The Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Waikato Monthly Visitor's Guide- Hospitality Business Award: Abracadabra Cafe and Bar

The Rotorua Bay of Plenty, Waikato Monthly Visitor's Guide Attractions Business Award: Canopy Tours

Deloitte - Service Provider Business Award: Osbornes Funeral Directors

Rotorua Lakes Council - Emerging Business Award: Flip Out Rotorua

The Hits -Community Organisation Business Award: Rotorua Youth Centre

Talent ID Recruitment - Employee of the Year Award: Sasha MacLeod

Toi - Ohomai Institute of Technology -Emerging Young Leader of the Year: Richard Fullard

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce Social Responsibility Award: Professionals McDowell Real Estate

TrustPower - Customer Service Award: Osbornes Funeral Directors

Healthy Families Rotorua Health and Wellness Award: Ngongotaha Early Learning Centre

Bay of Connections- Excellence In Sustainable Practices Award: Canopy Tours

Ministry of Education Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Loren Skudder-Hill

The Rotorua Bay of Plenty, Waikato Monthly Visitor's Guide Attractions Business Award Judges Acknowledgement of Excellence: Rotorua Museum

Supreme Award Westpac Business of the Year Award 2016: Canopy Tours

Red Stag Timber Business Person of the Year: Ray Cook