New Zealand National Parks
If you’re into anything outdoors, New Zealand’s 14 national parks are like heaven on earth. From rainforests in the north, to the snow-capped volcanoes of the central plateau to fiords, mountains and glaciers in the south, you’ll find scenery, plants and wildlife unlike anywhere else in the world. Covering more than three million hectares, make the most of hundreds of unique walks and outdoor adventures just waiting to be discovered.
Te Urewera National Park
Mystical and magical – but this is no illusion, it’s a forested wilderness of 212,672 hectares, close to Rotorua, Napier and Gisborne. Immerse yourself in the area’s rich Maori history, the largest untouched stretch of native forest in the North Island and glistening lakes and rivers.
Egmont National Park
It may be dormant – but it hasn’t lost its dominance – as you’ll see for yourself exploring the volcanic mountain of Taranaki/Egmont, the centre of this 33,534 hectare park. Tread more than 140km of tracks that explore a myriad of landscapes, including forests, wetlands and sub-alpine shrublands.
Whanganui National Park
Walk, tramp, canoe, raft or jetboat – however you do it, you’ll be inspired by the mighty Whanganui River and native lowland forest here. This 74,231 hectare park also offers a vibrant Maori and colonial history to discover.
Tongariro National Park
This Dual World Heritage Area is recognised both for its cultural values and its magnificent sights. The volcanic cones of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate this 79,598 hectare park with lava flows, craters, hot springs, snowfields, tussocklands and forests crying out for exploration.
Abel Tasman National Park
It’s small, sunny and seriously stunning. This 22,530 hectare park an hour’s drive from Nelson boasts long reaches of golden beaches, fringed by native bush and forested interiors. See it for yourself, by foot, sea kayak or boat.
Nelson Lakes National Park
A chance to experience beech forests, glacial lakes and native birdlife in this 102,000 hectare park accessible from Blenheim, Nelson or the West Coast.
Paparoa National Park
Wild and wonderful – that’s the West Coast, encapsulated in this 30,327 hectare park. You’ll discover the popular Pancake Rocks and blowholes, coastal forest, limestone canyons, caves and a dramatic coastline.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
Forget Narnia, this is a real life world of rock, snow and ice. Experience the true essence of the Southern Alps in this 114,500 hectare park, with mountains, alpine vegetation, big rivers, a diversity of forests and native birds to keep you company.
Westland/Tai Poutini National Park
The icy splendour of Franz Josef (Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere) and Fox (Te Moeka o Tuawe) glaciers are just part of this 117,547 hectare park. You’ll also be treated to majestic snowy peaks, beautiful forests and wild coastline.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Get a taste for the high life in New Zealand’s highest alpine playground, taking in the country’s highest mountain (Aoraki/Mt Cook) and longest glacier (Tasman). Enjoy awesome views from Aoraki/Mt Cook village, or head skyward hiking, mountaineering, glacier skiing or flightseeing in this 70,728 hectare park.
Fiordland National Park
This vast, 1,260,200 hectares of wilderness is New Zealand’s largest national park, and with glacier-cut fiords, lakes, vast valleys, native forests, towering peaks and abundant wildlife, you can’t help but be impressed.
Mount Aspiring National Park
Climber, tramper, angler, skier or hunter – there’s something for all of you in this 355,518 hectare natural paradise. You’ll discover remote and spectacular alpine wilderness, river valleys and forests, or take the Haast Highway and enjoy the outstanding alpine views.
Kahurangi National Park
Be prepared to linger awhile in Kahurangi. The name means ‘treasured possession’ in Maori, and the country’s second largest national park lives up to its name. You’ll find mountains, spectacular karst landforms, caves, forests, tussocklands, rugged coastline and some of New Zealand’s best tramps in this ecological wonderland.
Rakiura National Park
Make sure you include the newest and most southern national park on your travels. You’ll be pleased you did, with 157,000 hectares of coastal rainforests, wetlands, beaches, granite mountains, tundra-like alpine vegetation and some of New Zealand’s rarest birds.
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