Beautiful National Parks in New Zealand (What to do & See!)
New Zealand, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, is home to some of the most magnificent National Parks in the world.
From the stunning golden bays of Abel Tasman National Park to the dramatic fjords of Fiordland National Park, and the towering mountain ranges of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, you will be enthralled by the majestic beauty of Aotearoa’s natural highlights.
New Zealand’s National Parks protect some of the country’s most beautiful and untouched areas. They are places where you can enjoy hiking through otherworldly landscapes, jet boating or canoeing down wild rivers, and camping under a canopy of stars.
Pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and join us on a journey through New Zealand’s extraordinary national parks.
About New Zealand National Parks
There are 13 national parks in New Zealand, 10 on the South Island and 3 on the North Island.
New Zealand is an incredibly diverse country, and its national parks offer plenty of historic and cultural attractions alongside the scenic treasures.
With over 30% of the nation’s total area being a national park, New Zealand’s protected reserves cover more than 30,000 square kilometres. And the best bit? The National Parks are free to visit – making them the perfect place to explore for those travelling New Zealand on a budget.
The country’s largest national park is the Fiordland National Park with a total area of 12,607 square kilometres. On the opposite end of the South Island, you’ll find the smallest, and yet the most popular national park in New Zealand, the Abel Tasman National Park, which covers just 237 square km.
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Located in the central North Island, the Tongariro National Park is most well known for its famous hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Considered one of the most beautiful day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a popular 5-8 hour one-way expedition. This challenging 20km trail will take you to the most amazing landscapes of the park, including the Red Crater and the famous Emerald Lakes.
Alternatively, you can hike to Tama Lakes. This 6hr hike starts at the Whakapapa village and takes you to the Taranaki Falls before heading to the lower and upper Tama Lakes. If you’re looking for a unique, crowd-free hike that you can easily accomplish in a day, opt for this one.
Tongariro National Park is also New Zealand’s oldest national park, and honestly, one of the most remarkable ones. With its 3 active volcanoes Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngauruhoe, this national park offers volcanic landscapes like nothing else you’ve likely seen before.
Hiking is obviously one of the main activities at the park, but you can also try other activities within the Tongariro National Park like rafting, snowboarding or biking the Old Coach Road.
WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK
Whanganui National Park is an area of lush forest bordering the Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable river.
Established in 1986, Whanganui is New Zealand’s 11th national park. Famous for its abandoned bridge to nowhere (pictured above), this national park is wild and rugged.
Whether you want to bike the Mountains to Sea trail, or simply hike to the stunning Kaiwhakauka Waterfall, there is no lack of things to do in Whanganui National Park. You can also explore the scenic beauty of the Whanganui Journey, and paddle up the river in a canoe or kayak. Dispite being a river journey, it’s included as one of the Great Walks of New Zealand.
If you’re looking for a unique experience in New Zealand, stay at Tieke Kainga, which is the only Department of Conservation hut that is also a marae (Maori meeting house).
EGMONT NATIONAL PARK
The majestic Mount Taranaki is a constant companion when exploring the Egmont National Park. That is, when it’s not shrouded in a cloak of clouds. The stratovolcano stands at 2,518 meters tall and bears such a close resemblance to Mt Fuji that it stood in for the Japanese mountain in Tom Cruise’s movie, The Last Samurai.
But there’s much more on offer in this national park near New Plymouth. The diverse ecosystem hosts a wide variety of native flora and fauna, such as vibrant mosses, ancient ferns, and a vast array of birdlife – including Kiwi.
Visitors to Egmont National Park are in for a treat when it comes to hiking trails – though be prepared that many feature steep climbs! The most popular, the Pouakai Tarns trail is a half-day trek to a reflective tarn. It affords incredible views of the mountain, and excellent stargazing should you choose to stay the night.
Other attractions within the park include Dawson Falls, Wilkies Pools, and the newly completed Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge. Beyond its natural allure, the park holds cultural significance for Maori who view the maunga (mountain) as a sacred ancestor.
ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Abel Tasman is located on the northern coastline of the South Island of New Zealand. It is renowned for its beautiful golden beaches, beech forest, and its world-famous coastal trail. This reserve is one of the most striking national parks of New Zealand and is an absolute must-visit spot on the South Island for nature lovers.
Go kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, or simply relax on one of the beautiful beaches – Abel Tasman National Park has an adventure to suit everyone. Also home to one of the Great Walks, Abel Tasman sees countless visitors enjoying its multi-day coastal hike every year.
You will be amazed by the park’s splendid natural habitat, the abundant wildlife and sea life, as well as the outstanding coastal landscapes.
Abel Tasman National Park truly has it all and is the perfect place to experience the best of New Zealand. Don’t miss this incredible place when travelling to Aotearoa, Abel Tasman will be the highlight of your trip.
KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
Home to New Zealand’s longest great walk, the Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park is an extraordinary reserve with dense forest, waterfalls, and caves to explore.
Many visitors challenge themselves to complete the Heaphy Track, an 82km trail that traverses a wide variety of landscapes – including alpine meadows, golden sand beaches, dense rainforests and limestone formations. The track can be completed in 5-6 days.
However, for those who are short on time, you can choose one of the short walk options like Scott’s Beach Walk or the Nikau Walk.
Kahurangi National Park is also famous for being one of the Lord Of The Rings film locations. But you won’t find hobbits here. Instead, keep your eyes peeled for the many animals who live in this area of New Zealand, including the largest population of great spotted kiwis.
NELSON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Nelson Lakes National Park is also located in the north of the South Island, near the sunny town of Nelson. It was named after its two large lakes, Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. In this national park, you’ll find both easy lakeside hikes and more challenging alpine tracks.
Covering 102,000 hectares, the Nelson Lakes National Park offers lush beech forests, glacial lakes, and impressive mountain peaks. The park is also home to many native birds, including kiwis, fantails, and robins.
You can enjoy beautiful walks around the two main lakes. Around Lake Rotoiti, try the Bellbird walk or the Black Valley walk. From Lake Rotoroa, you can hike the Braeburn walk which will take you through a thick beech forest before leading to a beautiful waterfall.
ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK
Arthur’s Pass National Park lies in the heart of the Southern Alps. It is one of the most popular stops on the TranzAlpine railway.
Arthur’s Pass National Park offers a wide range of beautiful hikes – suitable for all abilities. The best short hikes include the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, the family-friendly Castle Hill Track and Arthur’s Pass Walkway. And for the best views in the park, try the Temple Basin hike.
Full-day options include the Bealey Spur track and the hike to the summit of Avalanche Peak. On a good day, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. You might even spot a Kea, the famous cheeky alpine parrot of New Zealand.
PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK
Established in 1987, the Paparoa National Park is located on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s well-known for its Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki), but also for its remarkable limestone canyons and beech forest.
Popular short walks include the easy Truman track (30 minutes return), and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walk (20 minutes return). Both these walks are family-friendly, and you will be impressed by the spectacular rock formations and incredible blowholes.
Other activities at the park include river kayaking, horse trekking on the expansive beaches, and glowworm caving at the Nile River cave.
AORAKI / MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Mount Cook is one of the most popular national parks in New Zealand. The mountain, which also goes by the Māori name of Aoraki, is New Zealand’s highest peak, at 3,724m.
Located in the Canterbury region on the South Island, Mount Cook National Park is also home to eight of the largest glaciers In New Zealand, including the Tasman Glacier, Hooker Glacier, and Murchison Glacier.
Needless to say, it’s also a popular photography spot. In fact, you’ve probably seen hundreds of pictures of this national park on social media without realising it.
The Hooker Valley hike is the most popular hike of the Mount Cook National Park. The 10km return walk is easy to follow and will take you to the Hooker Glacier Lake where you’ll get an unbeatable view of the mountain. This track is usually quite busy, so my advice is to go early in the morning.
Mount Cook National Park is also part of the largest international dark sky reserve in the world, so it’s one of the best places on earth to see the night sky without light pollution. I can’t think of a better excuse to go camping!
MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
Mount Aspiring National Park is situated in Otago, near the alpine town of Wanaka. With its pristine Blue Pools and untouched beech forest, Mount Aspiring National Park is definitely worth visiting.
A short walk will take you to the crystal clear Blue Pools, or if you’re up for a challenge, take a half-day walk to the Rob Roy Glacier. You’ll be amazed by the dramatic sight of the glacier flanked by waterfalls.
You can also hike one of New Zealand’s greatest alpine tracks, the Routeburn track. The world-renowned 32km tramping track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It cuts through both Fiordland National Park and the Mount Aspiring National Park.
Don’t worry though, if you’re not up for a long hike, there are other things you can do to enjoy the scenery on offer in Mount Aspiring.
Take a jet boat tour in the beautiful Matukituki Valley and see the spectacular hanging glaciers, or discover the film locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies with a short wilderness walk.
WESTLAND TAI POUTINI NATIONAL PARK
Also known as “Glacier Country” this western National Park is as diverse as it is impressive! Encompassing both the Fox & Franz Josef glaciers, many people make the journey here to see the rapidly retreating ice sheets. Either from below on foot, or by taking a scenic flight – some of which include an ice landing or glacier walk!
Icy attractions aside, the park, which is part of the UNESCO-designated Te Wāhipounamu, holds a rich cultural heritage with strong connections to the Maori people. Notably, the area is known as a source of pounamu (greenstone) which has traditionally been used to make tools and jewellery.
Like other National Parks, there are many walks to be enjoyed in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Some of the most popular include the Lake Matteson Walk – an easy 4.3km amble with remarkable views. Robert’s Point Trail which takes you to the base of the Franz Josef Glacier, and the more challenging Alex Knob Track.
FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Fiordland National Park is located in the southernmost part of the South Island. Known for its ice-carved fjords of Doubtful and Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park offers spectacular landscapes with lakes, valleys, and pristine mountain tops.
This scenic natural area is a must-do for visitors to New Zealand. Whether you’re cruising Doubtful Sound, going on an epic hike at Key Summit or taking a scenic flight, Fiordland’s scenery will take your breath away.
The road between Te Anau and Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular roads in New Zealand. Along the way, you’ll find lots of short walks and viewpoints making the experience even more enjoyable. Some of the best spots include the Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn nature walk, or the Chasm.
RAKIURA NATIONAL PARK
Rakiura National Park offers a unique proposition in that it covers 85% of Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest island. This mostly uninhabited island (at the last consensus there were just 408 residents) is a haven for those looking to truly get away from it all and escape into nature.
A popular spot for bird watchers in particular, it’s one of the best places to spot the native Southern Brown Kiwi. A normally notoriously shy breed, in Stewart Island, they have been known to wander into people’s backyards. In fact, the kiwi population far outnumbers the human population here!
Bird-watching aside, many people make the perilous journey (be sure to choose a smooth day for your sailing!) to Stewart Island to walk the Rakiura Track. Yet another of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The three-day loop navigates through lush forests, along sandy bays, and up to elevated viewpoints where you can appreciate just how untouched this southern gem is.
How to be a Responsible Visitor of New Zealand’s National Parks
Visiting wild and natural areas in this remote part of the world is a privilege, and it is our job to make sure we leave these places just how we found them.
Here are just a few ways you can be a responsible visitor of New Zealand’s National Parks.
Leave no trace.
Make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Cigarette butts don’t belong in a national park, neither do juice cans and banana skins.
Leaving no trace also means respecting the fauna and flora. Don’t pick the flowers and leave nature as you found it.
Respect the wildlife.
Many animals call national parks their home, and it is important to respect and protect the local wildlife.
Don’t feed wild animals, even birds. It is actually more harmful to them than you may think, as human food is normally far from their intended diet, and feeding them can alter their natural behaviour.
Read the signs.
New Zealand National Parks have signs at their entrance and at the beginning of trails indicating the length of a walk, camping spots and more. Read all the signs, and stay on the trail. Also, make sure you’re well prepared if you’re planning on embarking on a hike as the weather can be unpredictable in New Zealand.
Learn about the area.
Learn about the park you are visiting, the local area, and the culture and heritage of the park. Find ways to give back to the local communities, and enjoy the beautiful national parks in a responsible way.
And one last thing. If you plan on flying a drone in a national park, don’t forget to apply for a permit before you go.
A visit to New Zealand without seeing the national parks would simply be incomplete. The country’s incredible natural wonders will leave you spellbound. Whether you’re a natural adventurer or not, you’ll enjoy hiking, camping, biking or jet boating in New Zealand’s National Parks.
