If you’ve ever seen amazing photos of New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes and wondered if they’re real, chances are they were taken in one of our incredible national parks. Around 30% of the New Zealand’s land area is made up of national parks and other protected areas – places where nature is preserved in its most pristine state and protected from development by law. From towering mountains to lush forests, these protected areas are some of the most stunning on earth, and they’re part of what makes New Zealand a must-see destination.
New Zealand has 14 national parks, from Tongariro and Te Urewera in the north, through to Fiordland and Rakiura in the south. These really are New Zealand’s crown jewels, places that play a huge part in the New Zealand story, like Sir Edmund Hillary learning his mountaineering skills in Mt Cook and Fiordland, to our own memories from Kiwi summer holidays at Abel Tasman and school camps at Tongariro.
If you’re coming here on holiday, chances are you’ll explore several of New Zealand’s national parks with short walks to experience the beauty up close. Take a look through and find out what we love about our magical National Parks:
Visit North Island National Parks with MoaTrek:
Tongariro National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tongariro is famous for its volcanic landscapes including ‘Mount Doom’ from the Lord of the Rings films.
Visit South Island National Parks with MoaTrek:
Abel Tasman National Park
Known for its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Abel Tasman is perfect for those who want a relaxing walk along the coast. Enjoy a scenic 1-2 hour stroll through lush forest and along the beach, before soaking in the views of pristine coastline and its sheltered bays.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Take a short walk around the Hooker Valley Track, where you’ll see alpine meadows, glaciers, and the awe-inspiring Mount Cook.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
The Southern Alps are within reach as you explore Arthur’s Pass National Park. The area is rich with unique wildlife, including the famous kea parrot.
Fiordland National Park (and Milford Sound)
Fiordland’s towering cliffs and misty fjords offer one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Milford Sound to fully experience this natural wonder.
Mount Aspiring National Park
This South Island national park is a dreamy landscape of sky-scraping jagged peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes and centuries-old glaciers. It’s where the Maori once trekked, on their way to the pounamu (greenstone) fields on the West Coast.
Paparoa National Park
The amazing karst landscapes and tropical looking forest, as well as the famous Pancake Rocks, set Paparoa apart from anywhere else in New Zealand.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
This little over achiever has the highest peaks in the Southern Alps, World Heritage Glaciers, ancient rainforest, long deserted coastlines and teardrop lakes and lagoons teaming with rare wildlife.