Simone McNamara said the cover with a Maori motif was a beautiful image, which highlighted a cultural connection.
A new Lonely Planet guide to "authentic" tourist experiences has a Maori image on its cover - but only two New Zealand tourist businesses qualified for inclusion.
The new book, Code Green: Experiences Of A Lifetime, showcases 82 travel destinations around the world attempting to be environmentally, culturally and economically
responsible, or, as the guide puts it, which "will challenge, change and inspire you".
Whalewatch Kaikoura and relative newcomer, Footprints Waipoua are listed.
The latter is a tour guide company working with with the Copthorne Hotel and Resort at Hokianga, taking guests on day and night time excursions into the Waipoua Forest to see giant kauri and listen to kiwi.
"To be recognised alongside an operator like Whalewatch Kaikoura is definitely the icing on our cake," said Footprints spokesperson Koro Carman.
Whalewatch Kaikoura chief executive Wally Stone said the cover was a "huge compliment" to Maori and to New Zealand.
Whalewatch's listing was "a pleasant surprise" and certain to bring more business.
He thought a tally of two New Zealand businesses was "not too bad".
"That's a fair rate for New Zealand and a good start," he said.
European Lonely Planet Asia/Pacific spokesperson Simone McNamara said the cover was chosen because "it is a beautiful image and it highlights a cultural connection".
"The cover image was chosen on the basis that it shows an indigenous culture and one that is easily identified by many people.
Inside, a caption for the photograph reads: "A sharing of breath' - the hongi is a traditional Maori greeting, unlikely to be offered in general circumstances. It's used at Maori meetings and ceremonies to welcome the visitor and to invite them to become part of the community."
The book, written by Kerry Lorimer, gives suggestions on how to travel responsibly.
These include being environmentally aware, immersing yourself in the host culture and having a positive impact economically.
Ms McNamara said New Zealand was well represented by having two entries in the book.
