Local attraction acknowledged as global leaders in cultural tourism

Tamaki Maori Village director Doug Tamaki. Photo/File

A Rotorua tourist attraction has been acknowledged as global leaders in cultural tourism after winning a prestigious award in Australia.

Tamaki Maori Village won the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the Golden Backpack Awards last week.

Owners, brothers Mike and Doug Tamaki, were nominated for their service to the tourism industry as well as representing and educating visitors on the indigenous culture of New Zealand.

Their innovative way of sharing the Maori culture has captured the hearts and minds of 1.2 millions visitors.

The local Rotorua business also won the "Best Cultural Experience Award" for the 7th year in a row highlighting the consistency and momentum of Tamaki Maori Village as a business.

Their overnight stay experience was also acknowledged as a finalist for "Best Accommodation".

"We were up against cultural experiences across Australasia so the award was a big honour," said Mike Tamaki.

The Golden Backpack awards are decided by customers and last year almost 70,000 verified votes were received. Awards recognise companies who make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand an excellent experience.

"We have a great team who constantly look for new, revolutionary ways to share our culture, our history and our stories. It's great to be recognised by our customers with this award" said Doug Tamaki.

It has been a successful year for Tamaki Maori Village as they recently cleaned up the Kiwi Experience Awards as the Gold Award Winner 2016 for "Activity of the year", "Accommodation of the year" and "Drivers Choice".

It was the sale of Doug's Harley Davidson motorcycle to purchase a 16-seater mini bus that started the village which celebrates 27 years of operation this month. Mike and Doug Tamaki remain at the head of the operation ensuring daily that Tamaki Maori Village remains New Zealand's most awarded cultural attraction.