Tauranga's Hotel on Devonport is the overall winner in the Hotel category of the 2016 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Hotels in New Zealand - placing as the seventh top hotel in the South Pacific.

It's the first time a property in Tauranga has ranked as the top hotel in New Zealand based on TripAdvisor customer reviews.

Hotel on Devonport as seen from Tauranga Harbour. Photo: Supplied.

It's the sixth time Hotel on Devonport has been recognised by TripAdvisor. In 2015 it was a winner in the inaugural Hall of Fame by receiving a TripAdvisor Certificate in Excellence for five years running.

'We are immensely proud and sincerely appreciate our guests taking the time to share their experiences & support of the hotel, on channels like TripAdvisor, and we commit to ensuring that the Hotel on Devonport experience lives on in the future,” say the owners Paul & Debi Bowker.

'We also cannot thank our staff adequately. Without a complete team effort it would be impossible to meet guests needs in the manner we have been able to, a remarkable achievement for a small non branded hotel. With previous winners like Millbrook Resort we are honoured to be in such illustrious company”

TripAdvisor Travellers Choice awards highlight the world's top properties based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from travellers around the globe.

Winners are identified in the categories of Top Hotels, Bargain, B&Bs and Inns, Luxury, Service and Small Hotels. The hallmarks of Travellers' Choice winners are remarkable service, quality and value.

Hotel on Devonport is a boutique, Qualmark rated four star plus, hotel in the heart of Tauranga city with an emphasis on style, service and comfort.

All rooms have balconies with views of either the city or the harbour and every guest is greeted with a complimentary drink on arrival at the hotel. In addition to this the hotel provides complimentary high speed wi-fi, apples, plunger coffee and a daily newspaper to each room.

'We congratulate the properties that have won Travellers' Choice Hotel awards,” says Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.

'As travellers consider where to book their next trip, they should be sure to check out these award-winners that have already delighted millions of members of the TripAdvisor community.”