The Queenstown control tower, operated by Airways NZ Ltd, is the first to receive the annual award.
Long-serving air traffic controller Peter Lund-Jackson accepted the award on behalf of the team at a ceremony at the airport.
He said he was "delighted" to accept the award, which was recognition for a "great" team.
"It means an awful lot to win an award from the aviation fraternity and to receive positive feedback when you work in such a complicated airfield as this," he said.
Mr Lund-Jackson (63) is the longest-serving air traffic controller in New Zealand.
He will retire in October, after working in the industry for 45 years.
Veteran pilot and past AOPA president Jules Tapper said the Queenstown team deserved the accolade.
"We received quite a few nominations but it came through loud and clear Queenstown is undoubtedly the best," he said.
He had been flying into Queenstown for 49 years and the Queenstown controllers were always "very friendly, professional and welcoming", he said.
It was an important acknowledgement for the team from general aviation pilots as opposed to the large commercial airlines which flew in and out of Queenstown, Mr Tapper said.
The trophy is an aircraft piston, chromed and mounted on a mahogany base.
It was fitting that Mr Lund-Jackson should receive the award, he said.
"He is a well-known and respected member of the aviation community here in Queenstown and he has done much to engender a professional yet friendly atmosphere for many visitors," he said.
AOPA had introduced a series of awards which would be presented annually to members and related aviation service organisations. All 600 members are allowed to nominate but the winners are chosen by a judging committee of life members.
