Rated by readers of luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller, the land of the long white cloud was chosen as the second-favourite country, just behind Italy in first place.
The publication's annual Readers' Travel Awards ranks everything including cities, countries and islands, tour operators and spas.
Each country is then given a mark out of 100 with New Zealand scoring 95.18 compared to Italy's 95.5.
In addition, a number of other destinations in the country were singled out for praise, including luxury Glenorchy hotel Blanket Bay and the Farm at Cape Kidnappers.
Those planning an Australasian tour could also pay a visit to the Pacific island of Tuvalu.
Islanders are planning a programme of music, festivals and traditional games to coincide with the arrival of the high 'king tide', reports Australia Network News.
Downunder, experts for
great travel insurance when travelling to the land of the long white cloud.
