In addition to looking after our guests, we are also doing our best to help make a difference in our local communities throughout New Zealand. Below are just a few examples of Distinction Hotel’s community projects...
FIORDLAND & SOUTHLAND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Te Anau and the surrounding Fiordland and Southland areas hold a special place in the hearts of our Distinction Hotels team. Te Anau is where owner Geoff Thomson established the very first Distinction Hotel and the group now own and operate 3 hotels in the area including the newest addition to the group; Distinction Invercargill Hotel, in Geoff's hometown.
Distinction Hotels are proud to lend our support and sponsor the
Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational, that is held annually in Te Anau on the 28th & 29th of December. Crowds are treated to 2 days of exhilarating tennis as New Zealand's finest male players battle it out for prize money.
Distinction Hotels are also proud to support the following organisations and events in the Fiordland & Southland regions... Kepler Challenge, Tour of Southland, Te Anau Golf Classic Tournament, Routeburn Classic, Fiordland Netball Club, Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Club, New Years in the Park, Te Anau Darts Club, Te Anau Flower Show, Fiordland Squash Club - Kings Birthday Tournament, Te Anau Bowls, Fiordland Trails Trust, Southland Bowls, Te Anau Rodeo Club, Tour of Duty, Aussie Car Crawl, Southern Wedding Expo, Te Anau Fishing Competition - Hospice Southland, Great South.
Northland Community Support
The Northland Rugby Football Union (NRFU) is the governing body of rugby union in the Northland region of New Zealand. Distinction Hotels own and operate an iconic 3 star property in this region - Discovery Settlers Hotel as well as the 4 star Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre and are proud to sponsor the NRFU. The Discovery Settlers and Distinction Whangarei teams are passionate about cladding themselves in blue and heading along to Semenoff Stadium to support the Taniwhas!
Each year in the last weekend of July, ZONTA club of Hatea-Whangarei holds its Great NZ Book Sale, with proceeds going to support local charities. In the months leading up to the book sale Discovery Settlers Hotel Whangarei acts as the drop off point for these donated second hand books.
Balloons Over Waikato
Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre are thrilled to lend their support to Balloons Over Waikato. New Zealand's premier hot air ballooning festival is a week-long annual event, filled with free family fun as local and international pilots take to the sky with colour and excitement.
Rotorua Community Support
Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre support a number of local Rotorua organisations and events. Some of these include...
• McDowells Real Estate the Professionals – every year in March a breakfast & auction is held with proceeds going towards Canteen.
• Geyer Community Foundation brings people together to promote & support charitable giving towards local community organisations.
• Perpetual Guardians – Onuku
• Distinction Rotorua is proud to be home of the XTERRA Rotorua Festival, the best off road event in the world.
• Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
Manawatu Turbos
Distinction Palmerston North Hotel are proud to sponsor the
Manawatu Rugby Union - home to the Manawatu Turbos.
Otago Community Support
Distinction Dunedin Hotel & Dunedin Leisure Lodge support a number of local Otago organisations and events. Some of these include
Westpac Helicopter,
Calder Stewart Coastal Classic,
Louise Davie Charitable Trust, Otago Cricket.
Dunedin Supper Club - This annual event raises money for the establishment of a Ronald McDonald House in Dunedin to support South Island families with a child in hospital. Both hotels host tables of supporters for dinner. Some feedback from the Dunedin Supper Club about the 2026 event...
"The table that were in the Vault have been supporters for many years and they gave you 10/10. Thoroughly enjoyed themselves – thank you".
"Thank you all for such a fantastic night for our guests and show casing such a high level of service".
Otago Rugby - Distinction Hotels are proud sponsors of Otago Rugby and Dunedin Leisure Lodge plays host to many of the visiting NPC teams throughout the season. The hotel also extends a great value
NPC Rugby B&B Special to avid supporters.