National Parks

Abel Tasman National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

A National Park renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coastal track. It also has a mild climate and is a good place to visit at any time of the year.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

An alpine national park, featuring the highest mountains and the largest glaciers. The park covers 70,696 hectares and is located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Arthur's Pass National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

Situated in the heart of the Southern Alps, the park is an area of contrast, with dry beech forests in the east, rainforests on western slopes and a historic railway running through its centre.

Egmont National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

Covering 33,534 hectares, the national park is dominated by Mount Taranaki / Egmont, standing tall above the surrounding landscape.

Fiordland National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

The largest national park in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world, boasting snow-capped mountains, rivers of ice, deep lakes, unbroken forests and tussock grasslands.

Kahurangi National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

One of New Zealand's newest and largest national parks, located in the northwest corner of the South Island.

Mount Aspiring National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

A mixture of remote wilderness, high mountains and river valleys, where walkers and mountaineers are drawn to experience the park's beauty.

Nelson Lakes National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

This park protects 102,000 hectares of the northern most Southern Alps. The park offers tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams and lakes both big and small.

Paparoa National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

A national park featuring coastal forests, limestone cliffs and canyons, caves and underground streams.

Rakiura National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

Making up 85% of Stewart Island, this national park comprises a network of former nature reserves, scenic reserves and State Forest areas.

Te Urewera National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

Te Urewera contains the largest forested wilderness remaining in the North Island and is known for its lakes and forested beauty.

Tongariro National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

New Zealand's oldest national park and an important Maori cultural and spiritual area, with outstanding volcanic features.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

Extending from the Southern Alps to the remote beaches of the West Coast, the park is filled with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, tussock grasslands and lakes.

Whanganui National Park   (www.doc.govt.nz)  

The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through hills and valleys. Tramping through the lowland forests and river trips down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities.

New Zealand National Parks   (www.geocities.com/Yosemite/2331/npark.html)  

Provides brief details on each of the National Parks of New Zealand.