Fiordland tourism operator Go Orange took home the top award at Destination Fiordland annual tourism awards ceremony, held last night in Te Anau.

Around 150 people turned out for the evening, held at Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas. 

This year there were an unprecedented number of nominations for the various awards. Destination Fiordland manager Madeleine Peacock said this was an indication of a community that understands the importance of excellence in tourism.

For 2019, the recipients of the Tourism Personality award and AWS Legal Tourism Operator awards were put forward via nomination, with the final decision made by an independent panel. 

AWS Legal partner Damien Pine presented the AWS Legal Fiordland Tourism Operator of the Year 2019 award to Go Orange. 

Last year Go Orange was named fastest growing service company by Deloitte and were ranked 37th in the Deloitte Fast 50. 

Southern Discoveries, Fiordland Jet and Trips & Tramps were the other finalists award category.

Liz Newell of Southern Discoveries won the Fiordland Tourism Personality of the Year.

Gareth Davis crouches down for photos with Fiordland Tourism Personality of the Year winner Liz Newell of Southern Discoveries.

The Bradley Family Award for Innovation went to Habit Foods, owned by Ryan Murray and Jo Lott. 

Ken Bradley (left) presents the Bradley Family Award for Innovation to Habit Foods' Ryan Murray.

Nigel Humphries from the Fiordland branch of Hospitality New Zealand presented the Motel Association Service Plus Award to Reece Hay of Southern Discoveries.

Reece Hay of Southern Discoveries

The Tourism Supporter of the year went to the Te Anau Volunteer Fire Brigade, which received loud applause from the audience.

The award goes to an organisation or individual who plays a significant part in supporting tourism in Fiordland. 

Preston Russell Law partner Gareth Davis (left) and Te Anau Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Graeme "Possum" Moffat

Preston Russell Law partner Gareth Davis, who presented the award, highlighted the commitment its volunteers made to serve the community and visitors to the region in often harrowing situations. He also mentioned the commitment employers made to release staff for this crucial community service. 

The award was received by fire chief Graeme “Possum” Moffat.

The guest speaker for the event was Queenstown mayor and Real Journeys board director Jim Boult, who spoke about his affiliation with the local tourism industry as well as issues currently facing Queenstown due to tourism. 

Local personality and so-called "Mayor of Milford" Rosco Gaudin was recognised with Life Membership of Destination Fiordland for his contribution to tourism. Rosco Gaudin owns Rosco’s Milford Kayaks, the longest owner-operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand.  

Rosco Gaudin of Rosco's Milford Kayaks was recognised with life membership to regional tourism organisation Destination Fiordland.

The Master of Ceremonies was Preston Russell Law partner and Destination Fiordland Board chairman Gareth Davis. 

First established in 1977, the Fiordland Tourism Awards were originally initiated by the Fiordland Branch of an organisation called the National Travel Association. 

 The Tourism Personality of the Year Award has been celebrated annually since 1977 making it one of New Zealand’s longest running industry awards.