Fine Tours Group, formerly New Zealand Fine Touring and the parent company of Discover New Zealand, has been named a finalist for Large Inbound Operator of the Year at the 2026 Tourism Export Awards. Learn more about the award, the Tourism Export Council New Zealand, and the journey of Fine Tours Group from its beginnings in 2004 to becoming one of New Zealand's leading inbound tourism operators.
Summary
Fine Tours Group recognised by New Zealand's tourism industry
Fine Tours Group, formerly known as New Zealand Fine Touring, has been named a finalist for Large Inbound Operator of the Year at the 2026 Tourism Export Awards, presented by the Tourism Export Council New Zealand.
The recognition acknowledges Fine Tours Group's contribution to New Zealand's inbound tourism industry and celebrates the work of the team behind several specialist travel brands, including Discover New Zealand.
For more than 20 years, Fine Tours Group has helped international visitors experience New Zealand and Australia through tailor made holidays, escorted tours, rail journeys and self-drive itineraries, all planned by local travel specialists.
About Fine Tours Group
Fine Tours Group was founded in 2004 as New Zealand Fine Touring before rebranding to reflect its growing portfolio of specialist travel brands across New Zealand and Australia.
Based in Wānaka, New Zealand, Fine Tours Group helps thousands of international travellers each year plan holidays that match their interests, travel style and budget.
Today, the group includes several travel brands, including:
- Discover New Zealand
- New Zealand Self Drive Tours
- New Zealand Coach Tours
- Fine Tours New Zealand
- Inside Australia Travel
- Thrifty Tours New Zealand
- Ski New Zealand
Across the group, travellers have access to:
- New Zealand-based travel specialists
- Tailor made holiday planning
- Self-drive, rail, coach and small group holidays
- Carefully selected accommodation and experiences
- 24/7 in-country support while travelling
About Discover New Zealand
Discover New Zealand is one of the flagship brands within Fine Tours Group, specialising in tailor made holidays throughout New Zealand.
Travellers can choose from hundreds of pre-designed itineraries or work with a New Zealand-based travel specialist to customise every part of their journey.
Travel styles include:
- Self-drive holidays
- Guided coach tours
- Custom coach and bus tours
- Luxury holidays
- Train and coach journeys
- Family holidays
- Senior holidays
- Honeymoons
- Multi-island itineraries
Every itinerary can be adapted to suit different travel styles, interests and budgets.
About the Tourism Export Awards
The Tourism Export Awards, presented by the Tourism Export Council New Zealand (TECNZ), recognise excellence across New Zealand's international tourism industry.
The awards celebrate businesses that make an outstanding contribution to bringing international visitors to New Zealand while delivering exceptional visitor experiences and supporting the country's tourism sector.
The Large Inbound Operator of the Year category recognises larger inbound tourism operators that demonstrate excellence across customer experience, innovation, business performance, sustainability and industry leadership.
Being named a finalist places Fine Tours Group alongside other leading businesses within New Zealand's tourism industry.
Celebrating the Team Behind the Recognition
Being named a finalist reflects the work of people across every part of Fine Tours Group.
From travel specialists designing tailor made itineraries and coordinating bookings, to product teams shaping our tour range, customer experience teams supporting travellers on the road, and long-standing partnerships with accommodation providers and tourism operators, every holiday is shaped by collaboration across the business.
This recognition celebrates the commitment of the entire team to delivering thoughtful, well-supported travel experiences for visitors exploring New Zealand. To everyone who has travelled with Discover New Zealand or another Fine Tours Group brand, thank you for trusting us with your plans, your time, and your New Zealand memories.
Looking Ahead
As international travel to New Zealand continues to grow, Fine Tours Group remains focused on helping travellers experience the very best of Aotearoa through thoughtful itinerary planning, local expertise and personalised service.
Being recognised as a finalist for Large Inbound Operator of the Year is an important milestone for the business and reflects more than 20 years of supporting international visitors travelling throughout New Zealand.
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EnquireFrequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about Fine Tours Group, Discover New Zealand, and what this Tourism Export Awards finalist recognition means for travellers comparing New Zealand travel companies.
Fine Tours Group is a New Zealand-based inbound tourism company founded in 2004. Formerly known as New Zealand Fine Touring, the company operates several specialist travel brands across New Zealand and Australia, including Discover New Zealand.
Yes. Discover New Zealand is one of the travel brands operated by Fine Tours Group and specialises in tailor made New Zealand holidays.
Fine Tours Group was originally established as New Zealand Fine Touring before adopting the Fine Tours Group name as the business expanded.
Fine Tours Group is based in Wānaka, New Zealand, with an Australian office in Maroochydore, Queensland. Its local travel specialists help international visitors plan holidays throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Fine Tours Group has been named a finalist for Large Inbound Operator of the Year at the 2026 Tourism Export Awards, presented by the Tourism Export Council New Zealand.
The Tourism Export Awards are annual industry awards presented by the Tourism Export Council New Zealand to recognise excellence in New Zealand's international tourism sector.
The category recognises larger inbound tourism operators that demonstrate excellence in delivering international visitor experiences while contributing to New Zealand's tourism industry through innovation, leadership and business performance.
Fine Tours Group was founded in 2004 as New Zealand Fine Touring and has since grown into one of New Zealand's established inbound tourism businesses.