The mayor of Masterton is not surprised it's been named New Zealand's Most Beautiful City.

Photo: 123RF

Masterton took out the top prize at the Keep New Zealand Beautiful awards last night due to its efforts to protect the environment and heritage buildings.

The mayor Lyn Patterson said she was extremely proud the work in the community had been recognised.

"We've got outstanding parks and reserves, we've got a beautiful Henley Lake, Millennium Reserve and there is a lot of people in our community who work tirelessly and volunteer to make it the great place that it is to live."

Ms Patterson said volunteers worked on many projects in the city, from putting in walking trails to maintaining reserves.

She said anyone who was dubious about whether Masterton really was that beautiful, should take a drive around the city to change their mind.