NZ in world's top three travel destinations

1.00pm

New Zealand has been rated the third best destination in the world by readers of upmarket Conde Nast Traveller magazine.

In awards announced in Britain today, New Zealand was headed by only Australia, in top spot, and Thailand.

New Zealand also featured in other categories, with Air New Zealand judged the world's best long haul airline.

Huka Lodge, in the central North Island, was considered the second-best accommodation in Australasia, while Blanket Bay Lodge, in Queenstown, and Mangapapa Lodge, in Hawke's Bay, were also mentioned.

Polynesian Spa, in Rotorua, was voted the ninth-best spa in the world.

Wellington was the 18th best city, and the only New Zealand city in the 100-strong category.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton described Conde Nast Traveller's readers as highly affluent and seasoned travellers.

"To have them return home speaking so favourably about New Zealand is a wonderful boost to our reputation offshore."

He said the awards further enhanced the country's profile in Britain, after New Zealand's gold medal-winning exhibit at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and with the British Lions rugby team due to tour next year.

Britain is New Zealand's second-largest visitor market, with 279,036 arrivals in the year ended July 2004, an increase of 11 per cent over the previous 12 months.

In May, New Zealand was rated the best long-haul travel destination in the Guardian-Observer UK Awards.

- NZPA