Auckland University has made it a hat-trick by being ranked the leading New Zealand university in Times Higher Education's world rankings.

The university was 165th in the British weekly publication's 980-strong list, climbing seven spots from last year.

Earlier this month, Auckland provided the only New Zealand presence in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings by being rated 81st.

In August, it was a highest-placed of any New Zealand or Australian university in the inaugural Reuters Top 75: Asia's Most Innovative Universities rankings, coming in at 27th.

Times Higher Education assesses teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income in making its rankings.

Universities NZ boss Chris Whelan said the results were pleasing in a competitive global education market.

"New Zealand's university sector has worked relentlessly to enhance teaching and research activities, to increase their international relationships and profile, and to provide their graduates with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and in life," he said.

But editor of the rankings Phil Baty says New Zealand's institutions face a challenge to their position from universities in Asia.

"New Zealand's success at the top of the ranking cannot be guaranteed in the long-term while more of Asia's leading universities soar to join the world elite," he said.

Rankings for other NZ universities: Otago 201-250, Canterbury 351-400, Victoria 351-400, Lincoln 401-500, Massey 401-500, Waikato 401-500, AUT, 501-600.