New Zealand is a land of breathtaking landscapes, and its true natural beauty shines through the incredible national parks in New Zealand. From snow-capped peaks to golden beaches, these protected areas offer travelers a chance to explore untouched wilderness and unforgettable outdoor adventures. The national parks in New Zealand showcase a diverse mix of geothermal wonders, ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic fjords that make every journey feel magical.
National Parks in New Zealand
Whether you love hiking, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in scenic views, the national parks in New Zealand provide endless opportunities to connect with nature. These iconic destinations tell the story of the country’s rich ecological heritage and cultural significance. Exploring the national parks in New Zealand means stepping into a world where nature remains wild, pure, and awe-inspiring. For anyone planning a memorable adventure, experiencing the beauty of the national parks in New Zealand is an essential part of discovering the country’s true spirit.
Tongariro National Park
Located in the central North Island, Tongariro National Park is best 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 trek. This challenging 20km trail will take you through some of the park’s most stunning scenery, including the Red Crater and the famous Emerald Lake.
Alternatively, you can hike to Tama Lakes. This 6-hour hike starts in the village of Whakapapa and takes you to the Taranaki Falls and then to the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes. If you’re looking for a unique, uncrowded hike that you can easily complete in a day, then this is the one for you.
Tongariro National Park is also New Zealand’s oldest national park, and frankly, one of the most remarkable. With 3 active volcanoes, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, this national park offers volcanic landscapes that you’ve probably never seen before.
Hiking is obviously one of the park’s main activities, but you can also try other activities within Tongariro National Park, such as rafting, snowboarding or biking the Old Coach Road.
Whanganui National Park
Whanganui National Park is a densely forested area located on the banks of 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 leading nowhere (pictured above), this national park is wild and rugged.
Whether you want to cycle from the mountains to the sea, or simply hike to the stunning Kaiwakauka Falls, there’s no shortage of things to do in Whanganui National Park. You can explore the scenic beauty of the Whanganui Journey and paddle the river in a canoe or kayak. Despite being a river trip, it’s included as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
If you’re looking for a unique experience in New Zealand, stay at Taike Kainga, the only Department of Conservation lodge that’s also a marae (Maori meeting house).
Whanganui National Park
Whanganui National Park is a densely forested area located on the banks of 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 leading nowhere (pictured above), this national park is wild and rugged.
Whether you want to cycle from the mountains to the sea, or simply hike to the stunning Kaiwakauka Falls, there’s no shortage of things to do in Whanganui National Park. You can explore the scenic beauty of the Whanganui Journey and paddle the river in a canoe or kayak. Despite being a river trip, it’s included as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
If you’re looking for a unique experience in New Zealand, stay at Taike Kainga, the only conservation area lodge that’s a marae (Maori meeting house).
Egmont National Park
The majestic Mount Taranaki is a constant companion when exploring Egmont National Park. That is, when it’s not covered in cloud cover. The stratovolcano stands 2,518 metres high and bears such a striking resemblance to Mount Fuji that it stood in for the Japanese mountain in the Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai.
But there’s more to this national park near New Plymouth. The diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of native plants and animals, including vibrant mosses, ancient ferns and a wide range of birdlife, including kiwi.
Travelers to Egmont National Park will find a delight for hiking trails – although be prepared for many steep climbs! The most popular, the Paukai Turns Trail, is a half-day trek to a reflective turn. It offers incredible views of the mountains and excellent stargazing if you choose to stay overnight.
Other attractions in the park include Dawson Falls, Wilkie’s Pool and the recently completed Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge. Beyond the natural attractions, the park holds cultural significance for the Maori who view the maunga (mountain) as a sacred ancestor.
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman is located on the north coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is renowned for its beautiful golden beaches, beech forests and world-famous coastal walks. This protected area is one of New Zealand’s most attractive national parks and a must-visit for nature lovers in the South Island.
Kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, or simply relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches – there is an adventure for everyone in Abel Tasman National Park. Also home to the Great Walk, Abel Tasman sees countless visitors each year enjoying its multi-day coastal walks.
You will be amazed by the park’s wonderful natural habitats, abundant wildlife and marine life, as well as its extraordinary coastal landscape.
Abel Tasman National Park really does have it all and is the perfect place to experience the best of New Zealand. Don’t miss this incredible place when visiting 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 a remarkable protected area with dense forests, waterfalls and caves to explore.
Many visitors challenge themselves to complete the Heaphy Track, an 82km long trail that traverses a variety of landscapes – including alpine meadows, golden sand beaches, dense rainforest and limestone formations. The trek can be completed in 5-6 days.
However, for those with less time, you can opt for one of the shorter walking options such as Scott’s Beach Walk or Nikau Walk.
Kahurangi National Park is also famous for being one of the locations for the Lord of the Rings films. But you won’t find the Hobbit here. Instead, keep your eyes peeled for the many animals that live in this part of New Zealand, including the largest population of the magnificent spotted kiwi.
Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes National Park is also located in the north of the South Island, near the sunny city of Nelson. It is named after its two large lakes, Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua. In this national park, you will find both easy lakeside hiking and more challenging alpine treks.
Covering 102,000 hectares, Nelson Lakes National Park offers lush coastal forests, glacial lakes and impressive mountain peaks. The park is home to many native birds, including kiwi, 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 Rotorua, you can hike the Braeburn Walk, which will take you through a dense coastal forest and lead to a beautiful waterfall.
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass National Park is located in the heart of the Southern Alps. It is one of the most popular stops on the Transalpine Railway.
Arthur's Pass National Park has a variety of beautiful hikes - something for everyone. Some of the best short hikes include Devil's Punchbowl Falls, the family-friendly Castle Hill Track and the Arthur's Pass Walkway. And for the best views of the park, try the Temple Basin hike.
Full-day options include the Billy Spur Track and the hike to the summit of Avalanche Peak. On a good day, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. You may also spot the kea, New Zealand's famous cheeky alpine parrot.
Paparoa National Park
Established in 1987, Paparoa National Park is located on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is best known for its Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki), but is also known for its extraordinary limestone gorges 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 of these walks are family-friendly, and you'll be amazed by the spectacular rock formations and incredible blowholes.
Other activities in the park include river kayaking, horse trekking along the extensive beaches, and a trip to the Glowworm Caves in the Nile River Caves.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook is one of New Zealand’s most popular national parks. Known by its Maori name Aoraki, this mountain is the highest peak in New Zealand, standing at 3,724 metres.
Located in the Canterbury region of the South Island, Mount Cook National Park is home to eight of New Zealand’s largest glaciers, 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 photos of this national park on social media, without even realizing it.
The Hooker Valley hike is the most popular hike in 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 mountains. This trek is usually quite busy, so my advice is to go early in the morning.
Mount Cook National Park is also part of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve, so it’s one of the best places in the world 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 located in Otago, close to the alpine town of Wanaka. With its pristine Blue Pools and untouched beech forest, Mount Aspiring National Park is definitely worth a visit.
A short walk will take you to the crystal-clear Blue Pools, or if you’re up for a challenge, take a half-day hike to the Rob Roy Glacier. You’ll be amazed by the dramatic views of the glacier surrounded by waterfalls.
You can also hike the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s best alpine treks. The world-famous 32km tramping track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It passes through both Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park.
But don’t worry, if you’re not up for a long hike, there are other things you can do to enjoy the views of Mount Aspiring.
Take a jet boat trip through the beautiful Matukituki Valley and see the spectacular Hanging Glacier, or discover the filming locations for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, 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! Surrounded by both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, many people travel here to see the rapidly receding ice sheets. Either on foot from below, or by taking a scenic flight – some of which include ice landings or glacier walks!
Aside from the attractions of the glaciers, the park, which is part of the UNESCO-designated Te Wahipounamu, has a rich cultural heritage with strong connections to the Maori people. Notably, the area is known as the source of paunamu (green stone), which has traditionally been used to make tools and jewellery.
Like other national parks, Westland Tai Pautinui National Park also has many walks to enjoy. Among the most popular are the Lake Matteson Walk - an easy 4.3km walk with stunning views. The Roberts Point Trail which takes you to the foot 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 the ice-carved fiords of Doubtful and Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park offers spectacular landscapes including lakes, valleys and pristine mountain peaks.
This scenic natural area is a must-do for travelers to New Zealand. Whether you’re cruising Doubtful Sound, taking an epic hike to Key Summit, or taking a scenic flight, the views of Fiordland will take your breath away.
The road between Te Anau and Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. Along the way, you’ll find many short walks and viewpoints that make the experience even more enjoyable. Some of the best spots include Mirror Lakes, Lake Gun Nature Walk, or the Chasm.
Rakiura National Park
Rakiura National Park offers a unique experience as it covers 85% of Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest island. This mostly uninhabited island (there were only 408 residents at the last census) is a haven for those who really want to get away from it all and escape into nature.
A popular spot for birdwatchers in particular, it’s one of the best places to see the native Southern Brown Kiwi. Usually a notoriously shy species, on Stewart Island they’ve been known to wander into people’s backyards. In fact, the kiwi population here far outnumbers the human population!
As well as birdwatching, many people make the perilous journey (be sure to choose a smooth day for your boat!) along the Rakiura Track to Stewart Island. Another great New Zealand hike. This three-day loop navigates through dense forest, along sandy bays and to elevated viewpoints where you’ll appreciate just how untouched this southern gem is.
Frequently Asked Questions: New Zealand National Parks
1. How many national parks are there in New Zealand?
New Zealand has 13 national parks, each with unique landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
2. What is the most famous national park in New Zealand?
Fiordland National Park is often considered the most famous because it contains iconic destinations such as Milford Sound and the Routeburn Track.
3. Which national park in New Zealand is best for hiking?
Tongariro National Park is one of the best for hiking, especially the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is known as one of the best day hikes in the world.
4. Are New Zealand national parks free to enter?
Yes, all national parks are free to enter. However, there may be fees for some activities such as guided tours, huts, and campsites.
5. What is the best time to visit New Zealand national parks?
Spring (September-November) and summer (December-February) are the best times when the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration.
6. Is camping allowed inside New Zealand's national parks?
Yes, camping is permitted in designated areas. The Department of Conservation (DOC) operates huts and campsites throughout most parks.
7. Are New Zealand's national parks family-friendly?
Absolutely! Many parks offer easy walking trails, picnic areas, wildlife viewing spots, and family-friendly scenic drives.
8. Are there guided tours in New Zealand's national parks?
Yes, many parks offer guided tours, including boat trips, glacier walks, cultural tours, and wildlife tours.
Note: New Zealand's national parks offer a variety of experiences for all types of travelers, from novices to seasoned adventurers. Before you travel, always check weather conditions, park warnings and trail updates from the Department of Conservation (DOC) to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Respect local wildlife, follow marked tracks and practice responsible travel to help preserve New Zealand's stunning landscapes for future generations.