10 National Parks in New Zealand That You Shouldn't Miss

May 30, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand +64 27 245 9709 [email protected] http://www.fiordlandcharters.co.nz
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 658 reviews

Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Reviewed By 67arda - North Shore, New Zealand

we did both kepler and routeburn tracks = such a gem of an area and so pristine - lovely to meet full of like minded folk along the way who equally enjoyed taking the time to fully breathe in the environs ....tip - take your time and keep camera charged !

2. Te Urewera National Park

63 Carnarvon Street New Zealand +64 6-869 0460
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Te Urewera National Park

Immense and rugged national park features the largest forested wilderness in New Zealand's North Island.

Reviewed By Beinghana - Cusco, Peru

Please note that Te Urewera has not been a designated National Park since 2013. The Te Urewera Act 2014 recognises Te Urewera as it's own legal entity. "Te Urewera now owns itself, and exists for its own sake.The Tūhoe tribal authority, Te Uru Taumatua, provides operational management of Te Urewera and the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. The Department of Conservation provides support and assistance with former national park assets."

3. Paparoa National Park

New Zealand
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Paparoa National Park

Reviewed By wineseeker15

These amazing rocks are well worth stopping for. incredible natural carving of the rock on the Western coastline. Blow holes, surge pool and information is readily available.

4. Nelson Lakes National Park

New Zealand http://www.destinationnelsonlakes.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 132 reviews

Nelson Lakes National Park

Reviewed By Travelove58

No doubt this is a very stunningly beautiful lake. Amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains enveloped by foggy clouds, it's just crazily beautiful. And the small unrailed wooden jetty jutting out towards the mountains adds to the serene atmosphere. But what makes this lake very different from the other just as stunning lakes are the "natural add-ons." This lake has many nice Mandarin Ducks, Black Swans, even Black Fishes ( looks like Catfishes) - all happily swimming near the shore. And even few seagulls roaming around the shore area. However, we had an unexpected add-ons -SANDFLIES! Shortly after we got out of car, we were attacked by swarms of sandflies. We did not expect it as so far all the lakes we have been to don't have sandflies or just occasional ones. We had anti insect patches but did not put it on earlier - too late. Perhaps its the timing- we were here around dusk- which I believe is when sandflies are most active. We had to cut short the time here & ran off quickly. The sandflies even got into the car. And all of us got quite a number of bites! What a spoilsport- terrible sandflies!!

5. Mount Aspiring National Park

Ballantyne Rd, Wanaka New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/mount-aspiring-national-park
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 180 reviews

Mount Aspiring National Park

Reviewed By StanDallas - Dallas, United States

Peaceful, quietness, silence and roaring Thunder Creek Falls. Not to far away from Queenstown NZ is paradise. Summer camping in the national park looking into black skies for that Southern Cross among the ever changing constellations. Addiction can be to a place also.

6. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks And Blowholes, Punakaiki New Zealand
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

7. Active Outdoor Adventures

Tongariro National Park New Zealand +64 27 228 4831 [email protected] http://www.activeoutdooradventures.co.nz
Excellent
95%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 83 reviews

Active Outdoor Adventures

Active Outdoor Adventures provides a shuttle service to the famous Tongariro Crossing which is considered one of the best one day hikes in New Zealand. 19.4 kilometers or 6-8 hours of pure drama and beauty. Walking over a volcanic landscape & passing colored lakes, springs and steaming vents with outstanding views is what attracts thousands of visitors to the Tongariro National Park on a daily basis during summer. Not only do we transport, we emphasize how important the area is to us as Maori with a bit of cultural history & stories when you depart our shuttle all from genuine local drivers.

Reviewed By codykohler - Hong Kong, China

The best part was the driver who explained a bit of history about the hike and the mountains, also sent us off with a traditional prayer before we exited the van. Be sure to have everything packed before you leave your car (including water) once you enter the van hike is on. The parking lot was convient at the end of the hike,

8. Te Mata Park

Havelock North New Zealand http://tematapark.co.nz/maps-and-tracks
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

Te Mata Park

Reviewed By 565francisb - Sydney, Australia

Te Mata Park is a must-visit if you are spending time in Hawke's Bay. It's rich in Maori cultural tradition and history. Well-signposted walks and mountain-bike tracks, coupled with magnificent views to all corners of the compass.

9. Whanganui National Park

Whanganui New Zealand
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Whanganui National Park

Reviewed By RocheMaree - Hawera, New Zealand

Amazing! Started our day trip driving from Whanganui one hour up the winding, narrow River Road to Pipiriki. We passed through many beautiful small villages perched on the river bank. The photo ops are amazing and the trip a great start to the day. We had booked a 4 hour Bridge to Nowhere trip with Whanganui River Adventures. It started with a 32km jetboat ride up the river and then a 40 min tramp in the National Park to the amazing Bridge to Nowhere. The track was easy going and multipurpose with it also being part of the Te Araroa (Cape Reinga to Bluff) Cycleway. The bush and the river valley is pristine, beautiful and ancient. All bought fantastically alive with the knowledge of our local tour guide whose family has lived on the river and farmed the land in the Park for 6 generations. An amazing day in an amazing place!

10. Coromandel Forest Park

Coromandel New Zealand http://www.newzealandnz.co.nz/forest-parks/coromandel.html
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Coromandel Forest Park

Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand

We went up the Pinnacles from the Kauaeranga Road carpark up the Webb Creek Trail. We stayed the night at the Pinnacles hut and then walked back to the carpark through the Billygoat Trail. The trail near the top had amazing views of the forest area around the pinnacles. It was quite scenic all around the area. There were also plenty of other camping and tramping options around the area. The trails all crisis cross with each other so looking at the right trail for your experience isn't too difficult.

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