WELLINGTON, Sept. 8(Xinhuanet)-- New Zealand's beautiful scenery, clean green image and reputation as a heaven of security have earned it the title of"best country in the world" by a known magazine, said the local media Thursday.

New Zealand seized the top slot in the prestigious British-based Conde Nast Traveller Awards. Conde Nast readers were asked to rank their chosen countries in 10 categories including climate,culture, food and scenery. New Zealand got 99 out of 100 for scenery, 98.87 for environmental friendliness and 97 for safety.

Overall, New Zealand scored 97 points, ahead of Thailand with 94, Australia with 93 and Italy 92.

Conde Nast Traveller has a circulation of 83,000 worldwide. About 30,000 readers voted in the survey.

Tourism NZ chief executive George Hickton said Thursday the survey reaffirmed New Zealand's position as one of the world's top destinations. Enditem