Qualmark Gold – Sustainable Tourism Business Award

We’ve achieved Qualmark Gold!

We're thrilled to share that The White Swan has been awarded the Qualmark Gold – Sustainable Tourism Business Award – the highest recognition for tourism quality in New Zealand.

This Gold Award reflects the everyday work of our incredible team. It honours the care, energy, and authenticity that go into everything we do, every single day.

It’s also about the culture we’ve built together – one where manaakitanga, sustainability, and a shared commitment to excellence guide every decision.

And of course, it's about you – our locals, guests, suppliers, and wider community – who challenge us to do better and be better.

Rosie, our general manager, says one of the most valuable parts of the Qualmark process was gaining a “360-degree view” of the business – not just how it performs financially, but also its social and environmental impact, and how we care for our people and our guests.

“For us, it was a chance to step back and look at the whole picture,” Rosie, The Experience Collective, says. “From strategic planning and digitising our systems to investing in staff development and community support – it really reinforced the work we’re doing and where we can grow.”

As part of the journey, we’ve taken a close look at our energy use, waste management and how we give back – supporting and fundraising for groups like LifeFlight and the Greytown Fire Brigade.

We're also deepening our connection to place. “Our wine list is 100% Wairarapa, we have a full Wairarapa gin menu, and our whole menu celebrates, where we can, the incredible produce from our region,” Rosie says.

The Qualmark Gold rating recognises tourism businesses that are leading the way – with high levels of environmental care, customer experience, and operational excellence.

This prestigious recognition places us among the top tourism operators nationwide, and as one of only a handful of Wairarapa businesses to receive this honour, we’re proud to fly the flag for our region and stand alongside other local legends.

This is not the finish line – it’s a reason to keep pushing forward.