A little known region of New Zealand has won the country's first ever UNESCO heritage award.

Unexpectedly, it is not any of the sprawling mountain ranges or one of the many beautiful beaches that have scooped the prize, but rather a modest wooden hut.

Out of 45 entries to UNESCO from 13 Asia-Pacific countries, it is a Rangitoto 'bach' (a small, wooden hut), built in 1928 that has been recognised for its immeasurable historic importance.

Susan Yoffe, of the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust, said: "Bach communities represented the kiwi values of independence and self-reliance. Being so close to Auckland City, the baches of Rangitoto are an ideal place to see a little of our past.

"It is an enormous honour to have the value of our work internationally recognised."

Visitors to New Zealand will find plenty of other sites in the region, such as the Auckland City's famous war memorial and the world renowned Auckland Zoo.

Travellers to New Zealand may also be interested in visiting the nation's other areas of cultural importance, such as Mount Cook National Park, Coromandel Peninsula and the capital, Wellington.

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