The Telegraph said New Zealand's old-fashioned Englishness, stunning alpine scenery, vibrant Polynesian culture and obsession with extreme sport made it a hit with Britons. Photo / Alan Gibson
The Telegraph said New Zealand's old-fashioned Englishness, stunning alpine scenery, vibrant Polynesian culture and obsession with extreme sport made it a hit with Britons. Photo / Alan Gibson
Readers of the The Daily Telegraph have named New Zealand the best country in the world and Air New Zealand one of the best long-haul airlines, in the newspaper's annual travel awards.
More than 75,000 people had their say in deciding the winners of this year's awards, which recognise tour operators, destinations and holidays that exceed guests' expectations.
Image 1 of 20: Russell, Northland: Picturesque with a temperate climate. Photo / Supplied
It's the second year running that New Zealand has won best-country honours, something the Telegraph attributed to its "mix of old-fashioned Englishness, stunning alpine scenery, vibrant Polynesian culture and obsession with extreme sport".
"The Land of the Long White Cloud casts its spell over many people in many places, but seems to exert a special hold over British travellers," the paper said.
"Apart from its sheer physical beauty, New Zealand is also a very compact country, which is fully geared to the needs of time-poor visitors, whether you're enjoying a family campervan trip or staying at a top-notch country lodge."
New Zealand's people — "friendly, relaxed and a little eccentric" — were singled out as being one of the country's biggest assets.
"Passionate travellers themselves, New Zealanders are the world's most natural hosts."
Tourism New Zealand Regional Manager UK and Europe, Danielle Genty-Nott, said the accolade was a "huge honour" for the country and thanked voters of the well-respected awards for their "on-going support of New Zealand".
"It's hugely exciting to know that our beautiful and diverse country is providing inspiration to readers of the Telegraph and that their experiences of New Zealand are ones they treasure."
Image 1 of 8: Air NZ hostess Trish Lawrence serves food to cyclist Sarah Ulmer and All Black Mils Muliaina. Photo / Natalie Slade
Air New Zealand, which along with Emirates was named runner-up to Singapore Airlines in the best long-haul airline category, was lauded for its efforts to "narrow the comfort gap between the front of the aircraft and the back".
"The three-seat-wide Skycouch in economy and the Spaceseat, which is designed for couples, in premium economy are real innovations," the paper wrote.
Telegraph Travel Awards 2013
Best country: New Zealand Runners-up: Maldives and Myanmar (Burma)
Best city: Cape Town, South Africa Runners-up: Vancouver, Canada and Venice, Italy
Best long-haul airline: Singapore Airlines Runners-up: Air New Zealand and Emirates
Best short-haul airline: British Airways Runners-up: Swiss and Icelandair
Best hotel group: Four Seasons Runners-up: RIU and Jumeirah
Best large cruise line: Cunard Runners-up: Disney Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises
