New Zealand - the people's choice

LONDON - New Zealand has won the Guardian and Observer award for best long-haul destination for the second year running.

The award was based on a 17-question coupon published in the two British newspapers in January. Approximately 16,000 readers nominated their favourite destinations.

"This award is a reflection of all the hard work that the UK and New Zealand industry have put into New Zealand as a destination," said George Hickton, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive.

"We know that the New Zealand industry are giving international visitors to New Zealand one of the most memorable trips of their lives - and the UK industry have worked hard to make sure that UK travellers know just what New Zealand has to offer."

Runners-up were the Maldives, Australia and Costa Rica.

The Guardian will run a series of features on the winners over the next few months, with the first feature on New Zealand written by Charlie Burgess, travel editor of the Guardian who was in New Zealand in March this year. He himself rates New Zealand as the best destination he has ever been to.

The awards, announced in Jordan, were launched 14 years ago.