A New Zealander has spelt her way to success, taking out the World Seniors Scrabble Championships.

Joanne Craig, 58, was named the Scrabble winner on Thursday after a gruelling three-day, 24 game tournament, which was held in Christchurch.

Ms Craig, who currently lives in Sydney, is also the reigning NZ National Scrabble champion.

She beat 84 players from 12 countries to claim the World Seniors Scrabble Championships title.

Two time World Seniors Championship winner, Howard Warner from Wellington was runner-up, while third went to Bob Jackman from Australia.

But it was Christchurch player Malcolm Graham who went home with what is believed to be a record score for an individual word played in international tournaments - scoring 289 for the word DISQUIET.

This is the first time an international scrabble tournament has been held in New Zealand.