National Parks

New Zealand has known human habitation for less than a thousand years. Before then, it was a land of forests, mountains and beaches. The loudest sounds were birdsong, wind and waves.

There are fourteen spectacular national parks that preserve New Zealand's natural heritage, four on the North Island and ten on the South Island.

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Te Urewera National Park

The Te Urewera National Park protects the largest area of native forest remaining in the North Island. The high, misty ridges are covered with silver and mountain beech... Read more...

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Egmont National Park

Reaching 2518 metres above sea level, Mt Taranaki is New Zealand's most perfectly formed volcano. Read more...

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Kahurangi National Park

In the Maori language, Kahurangi means 'treasured possession' - a clue to the attractions of this large, wild park. Within its boundaries are some of the oldest rocks, strangest plants and rarest birds in New Zealand..Read more...

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Arthur's Pass

The eastern side of Arthur's Pass National Park is characterised by wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast beech forests...Read more...

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Fjordland National Park

Fiordland is in the far southwestern corner of the South Island and much of the region is inaccessible by road. The township of Te Anau is considered the gateway to the park..Read more...