Tourism awards finalists

The annual tourism awards should encourage more New Zealanders to see their own country, says Tourism Industry Association chief executive Glenys Coughlan.

The awards prove that New Zealand has tourist attractions equal to the best in the world, "and with the current value of the New Zealand dollar, there has never been a better time to stay at home and see New Zealand, "says Coughlan, who was announcing the finalists for this year's awards.

The winners will be announced on August 11 in Wellington.

Among the finalists are: The Heritage Auckland; Sheraton Auckland Hotel & Towers; Royal Lakeside Novotel Rotorua; Quay West Suites, Auckland; Beachcomber Resort, Paihia; Bushland Park Lodge & Nickel Strausse, Whangamata; Puerta Del Sol Golfing Retreat, Mt Maunganui; North Shore Motel & Holiday Park, Auckland; Kiwi Paka YHA, Rotorua; Fullers Auckland; Kiwi Experience, Auckland; Magic Travellers Network, Auckland; Sport Yachts NZ, Auckland; Kauri Country, Northland; Rotorua Museum; America's Cup Village, Auckland; Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua; Kiwi Discovery, Auckland; Retail Takes Flight, Auckland; Ancient Kauri Kingdom, Auckland; Fullers Bay of Islands; Fullers Auckland; NZ Education Tours (NZET), Whakatane; Ellerslie Flower Show, Auckland; Auckland A-Z Guide; Jasons Travel Media, Auckland; Friars Guide to New Zealand Accommodation for the Discerning Traveller, Auckland.