More than one-third of New Zealand’s landscape is protected in reserves, regional and national parks. New Zealand's 14 national parks feature 12,000 kilometres of walking tracks and 1,000 huts for overnight stays. Trails range from 15-minute scenic walks to demanding multi-day hikes, ice or mountain climbs – you’ll need to don a pair of hiking boots to explore the most pristine corners of New Zealand.
New Zealand’s National Parks
New Zealand’s national parks are a spectacular collection of wilderness areas. The North Island’s Tongariro National Park, for example, is a World Heritage Area of natural and cultural significance, while in the South Island the four national parks in Westland, Aoraki Mount Cook, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring form another World Heritage site. The numerous regional parks are administered by regional councils, and many of them are right on the doorsteps of some of New Zealand’s most populous towns.
National Parks Around New Zealand
Te Urewera National Park Remote and rugged forested ridges and valleys, home to the popular Lake Waikaremoana Track.
Tongariro National Park New Zealand’s first national park is home to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a highly regarded one-day walk.
Egmont National Park The Mount Taranaki summit is a challenging climb, but there are numerous walks around the mountain’s base.
Whanganui National Park Travel by canoe on the Whanganui Journey or discover Maori culture in a lush rainforest setting.
Abel Tasman National Park Renowned for golden beaches, clear water and the very popular Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Kahurangi National Park Immense and rugged, encompassing wild rivers, sub-alpine herb fields and coastal forests.
Nelson Lakes National Park The northern end of the Southern Alps features forest-clad mountains and numerous picturesque lakes.
Paparoa National Park Lush rainforest, underground cave networks and the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Arthur’s Pass National Park Rugged gorges, wide braided rivers, soaring mountains and forest in the heart of the Southern Alps.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park Renowned for its incredibly varied landscape of forests, glaciers, wild beaches and wetlands.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain peaks, including Aoraki Mount Cook, and its largest glaciers.
Mount Aspiring National Park This stunningly beautiful landscape is home to rugged mountains, river valleys and green beech forests.
Fiordland National Park New Zealand’s most famous national park features immense fiords, deep lakes, mountains and forest.
Rakiura National Park Covering 85% of Stewart Island, this park protects rare wildlife, unspoiled forest and coastal landscapes.