After analysing the number of natural features like volcanoes, coral reefs, tropical rainforests and glaciers per 100,000 square kilometres, money.co.uk crowned Indonesia as 'the world's most naturally beautiful country'. New Zealand came second, followed by Colombia, Tanzania, Mexico and Kenya.

While beauty is subjective, New Zealand is scientifically and culturally one of the most frequently cited "most beautiful" countries due to its extreme geographical diversity within a small area. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can visit a tropical beach, a temperate rainforest, and a glacial mountain range all within the same day. The South Island’s Southern Alps and the fjords of Milford Sound offer a scale of natural grandeur that served as the perfect backdrop for the Lord of the Rings films, cementing the country’s "fairytale" reputation. In 2026, New Zealand continues to top global travel polls because of its pristine air quality and the "100% Pure" conservation efforts that keep its landscapes untouched by heavy industry. Whether it's the volcanic geothermal wonders of Rotorua or the turquoise waters of the Abel Tasman, the country provides a "concentrated" dose of natural beauty that is difficult to find elsewhere, though competitors like Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway often vie for the same title.