Mr Davies arrived in Queenstown in 1960 as a shepherd, but over the past half-century, his family-operated business, Trojan Holdings, has grown in size and status.
His company now operates a wide range of businesses, including Northern Southland Transport, the Milford Track and Routeburn Guided Walks, and the Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook.
He served as Queenstown Lakes mayor for two full terms and is a former chairman of Queenstown Airport Corporation.
The award was presented to Mr Davies by deputy prime minister Bill English, who is also the Minister of Finance and the member of Parliament for Clutha Southland.
Mr English said he had dealt with business leaders the world over but, from experience, if he had the chance to spend two hours with someone to try to be inspired, he would choose Mr Davies.
"This is the best business awards ceremony I've been to in 20 years and John's results in business are from an environment that is unique to Queenstown," Mr English said.
Congratulatory speeches were also made by Queenstown Chamber of Commerce chairman Alastair Porter, former Lakes mayor Warren Cooper, lawyer and businessman Graham Smolenski, architect Michael Wyatt and Mr Davies' wife, Trish Davies.
On accepting the award, Mr Davies said his success was the result of applying his business motto to all areas of life.
"I live by the motto, strive to produce the best possible product. If you can get the product right, the business will always succeed," he said.
