Britons are being told New Zealand is "paradise" for migrants because it is hotter and cheaper than their homeland and has no traffic jams.

Workers who travelled the 18,500km to New Zealand were said to be Britain's "happiest expats", the Daily Mail newspaper reported today.

Britons living in New Zealand rated the country highly in all areas.

They said it had one of the lowest average property prices in the developed world, and many cited lower taxes than in Britain, a better quality of life and less stress as benefits.

A favourable tax regime meant that although average wages were lower, earnings went further.

Dave Isley, head of NatWest International personal banking, which surveyed more than 2000 Britons living in 12 countries, said expats reported they were living healthier lifestyles abroad, while also benefiting financially.

"This is particularly true for expats in New Zealand who not only say they benefit from low property prices, a favourable taxation system and a healthy lifestyle but also the beauty of New Zealand's natural environment," he said.

The average salary was $NZ28,427, compared with $NZ65,841 in Britain, but the average cost of a home was only $NZ293,000, compared with $NZ592,000 in Britain.

Of all the expatriates surveyed, 86 per cent believed their lives were better than before they emigrated and 92 per cent said they were happier.

Despite the global recession, 87 per cent were better off, including engineers, teachers, economists, accountants, IT professionals and those working in financial services and marketing.

"Despite the global slowdown affecting everyone, the potential to earn more money abroad is clearly one of the main benefits expats are experiencing," said Mr Isley.

In the quality of life index, New Zealand came ahead of Canada, which topped the poll last year.

They were followed by Australia, France, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, the US and China. Despite their wealth, Singapore and Hong Kong came last.

-NZPA