NZ tops UK holiday destination awards

11.45am

New Zealand has been named the top holiday destination for readers of British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, ending a four-year run at the top by Italy.

It is the first time New Zealand has won the Telegraph Travel Award, Tourism Minister Mark Burton said in a statement today.

The award follows New Zealand winning the Guardian and Observer's People's Choice award for best long-haul travel destination for the fourth time, and taking a gold medal for New Zealand first entry in the Chelsea Flower Show.

Mr Burton said he was thrilled, but not surprised.

"The Telegraph awards are based on readers' actual holiday experiences, not just their perceptions of an ideal destination," he said.

"New Zealand is no ordinary destination... guests to our country come away with experiences that simply can't be found anywhere else.

"I congratulate the entire tourism sector for a very good year indeed."

The awards, based on a survey sent to more than 26,000 readers, were presented last night at a London ceremony.

- NZPA