It was the Main family home from 1977 and opened as a lodge under their ownership in 2004.
After six months of operation, it joined the Peppers group and was known for nearly 20 years as Peppers on the Point.
In 2023, it left the Accor brand and became an independent property, returning to its original name, On The Point.
Receiving the award, On The Point general manager Ann Gregor paid tribute to her team.
“Hospitality can look effortless from the outside, but as we all know, it’s anything but. It’s early mornings, late nights, weekends, public holidays, changing plans, solving problems, and paying attention to hundreds of tiny details … It takes a very special team of people to deliver that day after day.”
MCs Paul Hickey and Philly Angus at Saturday’s Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards. Photo / Michelle Cutelli Photography
She said Rotorua was their home.
“We’re incredibly proud when guests travel from all over the world to stay with us.
“But we’re even prouder when we have the opportunity to introduce them to Rotorua. Our people, our culture, our landscape, and the extraordinary experiences that this region has to offer.
“To receive this recognition from our own business community, therefore means an enormous amount to us.”
A chamber statement said On The Point had evolved from a family home into an “internationally recognised” luxury accommodation, dining, and events destination.
Since returning to independent ownership in 2023, On The Point has completed a significant refurbishment, reinforcing its strong reputation among both domestic and international visitors.
Chamber president Paul Ingram said the Supreme Award recognised businesses that demonstrated excellence, resilience and a meaningful contribution to the wider Rotorua community.
“On The Point represents everything these awards were created to recognise.
“Their commitment to quality, investment in people, long-term vision and confidence in Rotorua has created a business that delivers world-class experiences while remaining firmly connected to its community.
“For more than three decades, these awards have highlighted the businesses and leaders shaping our region, providing a benchmark for excellence and inspiring others to innovate, grow and invest in Rotorua’s future.”
On The Point also won the hospitality and retail award, sponsored by Ebbett Rotorua.
Bruce Thomasen (right) was named Rotorua Business Person of the Year at the Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards. Also pictured is Marty Verry from award sponsor Red Stag Timber. Photo / Michelle Cutelli Photography
Redwoods Treewalk’s Bruce Thomasen was honoured as the Red Stag Timber Business Person of the Year.
Receiving the award, he said business was ultimately about surrounding yourself with great people, having a big goal, and “then the amazing things can happen”.
“I’m really humbled, to be recognised some of those greats who’ve done some awesome stuff for this city.”
Last year’s Supreme Award winner Rotorua Canopy Tours took home two awards this year, including Employer of the Year and Workplace Safety and Wellbeing.
Barrowman Goodman Vets won The Hits & Rotorua Daily Post-sponsored People’s Choice Awards at Saturday’s Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards. Photo / Michelle Cutelli Photography
NZME – owner of the Rotorua Daily Post – is sponsor of the People’s Choice award. This year’s winner was Barrowman Goodman Vets.
The event was a glittering affair, with attendees including Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell and Rotorua MP Todd McClay.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell performs with Ngāti Rangiwewehi at Saturday’s Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards.
Tapsell was even invited by councillor Trevor Maxwell to take the stage and take part in a performance by Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka.
The Tompkins Wake 2026 Rotorua Business Awards sponsors, categories and winners
Pak’nSave Rotorua / Creative Arts & Design: Rose & Co Creative
2degrees / Innovation & Technology: EnPhytoBox by Syrinx Environmental
Ebbett Rotorua / Hospitality & Retail: On The Point – Lake Rotorua
RotoruaNZ / Manaakitanga Tourism: Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
Deloitte / Primary Manufacturing & Building: Urban Homes Rotorua
University of Waikato Management School / Professional Services: Index Engineering
Unison / Kaitiakitanga Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change: WaiNot Native Nursery
The Hits & Rotorua Daily Post / People’s Choice: Barrowman Goodman Vets
Te Puia / Employer of the Year: Rotorua Canopy Tours
Kaingaroa Tipu / Workplace Safety and Wellbeing: Rotorua Canopy Tours
Montana Food and Events / Not for Profit & Social Enterprise: Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology / Emerging Business Leader: Ben Green – Urban Homes Rotorua
Red Stag Timber / Business Person of the Year: Bruce Thomasen – Redwoods Treewalk
Rotorua Lakes Council / Outstanding Contribution to Rotorua: Kōtihi Reo Consultants
Tompkins Wake / Supreme Award – Overall Winner: On The Point – Lake Rotorua
Highly commended
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland was highly commended in the workplace safety and wellbeing category.
Albin Raju – Bold Flavours Bistro and Cafe was highly commended in the emerging business leader category and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre was highly commended in the not for profit and social enterprise category.