New Zealand National Parks

New Zealand’s has thirteen stunning national parks that encompass a variety of landscapes, wildlife and vegetation.  From the sparkling beaches of the Tasman, to the snow capped peaks of Arthur’s Pass, to the raging Wanganui River, national parks were created to preserve New Zealand’s beautiful and unique natural environment.

New Zealand also has more than 25 marine reserves that protect beautiful and irreplaceable flora and fauna.  All of New Zealand’s marine reserves are protected, meaning that nothing can be disturbed or taken from the site.  As well as the obvious conservation merits, tourists find this rule works to their advantage, as there is more for them to see and the native wildlife are unafraid of humans.

The world’s first no-take marine reserve was established in 1975 in Goat Island, north of Auckland. The species living in this area have had thirty years to recover from their fear of humans, and fish swim fearlessly around humans.

Fiorldand, in New Zealand’s south island, is an important national park that protects the world’s largest black coral trees, which are over 300 years old.  The country’s most famous marine reserve is the Poor Knights, where subtropical currents, huge caves and archways and a varied and fascinating array of marine life attract visitors from all over the world.  Poor Knights has been rated one of the 10 best dive sites in the world.

New Zealand's National parks and marine reserves protect some of New Zealand’s most important national treasures, ensuring they will remain for many more generations to enjoy.

The 13 National Parks of New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park E xperience the bliss of the Abel Tasman National Park The Abel Tasman Park – named after the first European to explore New Zealand – is the nation’s smallest national park, at a mere 22 350 hectares (or 108 000 square feet....
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park The Skies the limit at Mount Cook Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain and longest glaciers. Multiple summits soar high into the clouds, undoubtedly attracting climbers and s...
Arthurs Pass New Zealand

Arthurs Pass New Zealand

From east to west across the great divide Arthur’s pass provides spectacular views from the interconnecting maze-like rivers that converge at the base of the national park, to the near-vertical wilderness expanses that tower over the low headlands a...

Fiordland National Park

Experience the fiord’s The Fiordland National Park was given World Heritage status in the early ‘90’s and given the incredible beauty and remarkableness of the park it is not difficult to know why. Meeting the sea are 14 giant inlets called fiord...
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park

Go on some amazing walks at the Mount Aspiring National Park Mount Aspiring National Park inspires all who visit because of its great variety of landscapes, from moss-covered valleys, beech forest, incredible rock formations, stunning rivers and high...
Mount Taranaki

Mount Taranaki

Climb the ‘dormant’ volcano -  Mount Taranaki At a staggering 2518 metres high and over 100,00 years old, stands the impressive Mount Taranaki. While no volcanic activity has been recorded for over 200 years, scientists agree that Mount Taranaki has ...
Paparoa National Park

Paparoa National Park

Built to preserve distinctive limestone karst topography from the effects of industrialisation, The Paparoa National Park is situated on the stunning coastline of the Paparoa ranges with the park protecting the vegetation, ecosystems and caves in the...
Rakiura National Park

Rakiura National Park

New Zealand’s third island New Zealand’s less talked about 3rd island, 30ks off the south island is nearly all within the limits of the Rakiura National Park. Rakiura is an ecosystem haven, home to some of New Zealand’s most famous flora and fauna...
Kahurangi National Park

Kahurangi National Park

Experience the stunning Marble rock The Kahurangi National park is renowned for its amazing rocks, geological significance and its rare and exotic plant and bird life. Kahurangi’s most famous walk – The Heaphy track takes those interested through suc...
Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park

The majestic Nelson Lakes National Park Lush green valleys and hills nestle amongst great snow-covered mountains offering a walk, hike or strenuous climb depending on your ability and how far up you want to go. Nelson Lakes National Park has an...
Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park

Visit New Zealand’s most famous active volcanoes Within the boundaries of the Tongariro National park lay the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu volcanoes. Great walks encircle some of the giant volcanoes that just happen to be still active. Towards t...
Westland Tai Poutini

Westland Tai Poutini

Marvel at the glaciers High up in the Southern Alps, glaciers have been formed that make up the Westland/Tai Poutini. The two glaciers that allow access, the Fox and the Franz Josef remarkably connect themselves to the rainforest. Below the giant...

Whanganui River

Canoe or Kayak down the tranquil Whanganui River Deep inside on of the National Park’s lies flows the Whanganui River, one of New Zealand’s longest stretches of river, eventually revealing itself out of the hidden valleys and forest and connecting to ...

Find out more about the national parks here: www.newzealand.com/int/national-parks/