National Parks in New Zealand

Few places better showcase the untouched beauty of New Zealand's nature than its national parks. Come along on a fabulous journey and immerse yourself in the unique flora and fauna of New Zealand.

With a total area of over 30,000 km², New Zealand's 13 national parks encompass a full 10 percent of the country. So it's no surprise that your trip to this fascinating country in the South Pacific will be filled with breathtaking backdrops. But which national parks should you definitely visit on a New Zealand road trip? Where does Mother Nature shine the brightest, which park has the most beautiful hiking trails, and where can you perhaps even see exciting wildlife up close? Read on to discover my seven personal highlights that will take you to both the North and South Islands.

If you land on New Zealand's North Island, in Auckland or Wellington, you should not only write down the capital city and the many cultural highlights on your to-do list, but also include at least one of the three national parks. A view from above already gives you a hint of what to expect: picturesque coasts, lush forests, rugged mountains, and so much more. You can hardly wait to admire these untouched beauties up close, can you?

Diverse and contrasting scenery is hard to come by: In Tongariro National Park, which surrounds the three active volcanoes Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, emerald-green lakes meet snow-capped mountains and hot springs.

Established in 1887, New Zealand's oldest national park has become a UNESCO World Heritage site and spans a massive 80,000 hectares, making it perfect for thrilling hikes through incredible volcanic landscapes, past an active crater, steaming vents, and serene lakes. While the day hike 'Tongariro Crossing' provides an initial taste of the national park, the 'Round the Mountain Track' takes you around Mount Ruapehu, a trek over more than 60 kilometers that spans four to six days through beech forests, alpine herb fields, wild desert landscapes, and glacier valleys. The views along the way are simply breathtaking!

Wildlife enthusiasts will also delight in the many native bird species as well as the bat species found here. In winter, it's mainly the ski resorts at Mount Ruapehu, Whakapapa, and Turoa that attract winter sports enthusiasts with ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions.

Egmont National Park, located on the western side of the North Island, is a paradise for hikers, offering an extensive network of well-maintained trails that cater to everyone from a 15-minute stroll on the Kamahi Track to a three-day hike on the popular Pouakai Track. In total, you'll find over 300 kilometers of trails winding around the Taranaki volcano, featuring dreamy rainforests, the stunning Dawson Falls, and natural pools. Additionally, Egmont National Park is home to 28 native and 15 introduced bird species that live here, some of which are threatened with extinction.

While visiting the North Island, you should definitely venture into this unique labyrinth and, whether on a brief visit or a longer hike, admire the natural beauties that await you at every turn. A particularly special adventure is the ascent to the summit, which takes between six and eight hours and requires considerable experience. Would that be something for you, or do you prefer to enjoy the view from afar?

Are you heading to the South Island and starting your tour in Christchurch, Queenstown, or another lovely town on the island? Then I have some exceptional treasures for you, as the South Island boasts ten national parks, and I'd like to introduce you to five of them in more detail. Brace yourself for a concentrated dose of nature that is unparalleled worldwide.

Let's start all the way in the north of the South Island, with one of the most photographed spots in all of New Zealand. Even though this is the smallest national park in New Zealand, you'll find everything a nature lover's heart desires here. Unique trails lead through lush, dense forests, alternating with pristine, sandy beaches that invite you to relax.

How about a hiking tour followed by a visit to Te Pukatea Bay? At this crescent-shaped bay, you can either relax on the golden sand or engage in various water activities, such as snorkeling, catamaran sailing, or kayaking. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, which is 51 kilometers long, is particularly popular, taking five days to complete and connecting countless stunning coves. Along the coast, you can watch seals and tiny little blue penguins, while in the forested areas, you'll encounter a colorful mix of various bird species, like bellbirds, wood pigeons, and Tuis, New Zealand's most famous songbird.

Beautiful, but somewhat hidden in the northern part of the New Zealand Alps, you'll find the 102,000-hectare Nelson Lakes National Park, which significantly differs from the other national parks. As the name suggests, you will find not only green valleys and rugged mountain formations but also breathtaking lakes, such as the mountain lakes Rotoroa and Rotoiti, which together form the heart of the national park.

The Nelson Lakes National Park is particularly popular among hikers and mountaineers who can enjoy stunning views of the lakes and the snow-capped peaks during either a day hike or a three-day tour along Lake Angelus, while wandering through the forests listening to the birdsong. Whether hiking, climbing, or skiing - you will have a wonderful time in the midst of an extraordinarily beautiful alpine setting.

The highest mountains, the largest glaciers, and perhaps the most impressive starry sky in all of New Zealand - yes, Mount Cook National Park, also known as Aoraki National Park, offers plenty and is rightfully one of the greatest highlights of the entire country.

It is especially appreciated by climbers, not least due to its 23 gigantic peaks rising over 3,000 meters high. Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the world's most famous mountaineers, trained here for his Mount Everest ascent. Here, every visitor can find a suitable route: from the seven-kilometer long family-friendly Kea Point Track to the nearly 12-kilometer long Mueller Hut for experienced climbers, there are various difficulty levels available. You can also embark on glacier tours, where you can be brought up close to the region's glaciers by helicopter, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The largest national park in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park, located at the southwestern tip of the South Island, must not be missed in this overview. Waterfalls plummeting hundreds of meters into fjords, lakes that shimmer in deep blue to emerald green, and snow-capped peaks will leave you in awe, I can promise you that.

For this vast national park, you should ideally take more than one day to fully enjoy its beauty. In addition to 14 fjords that adorn this national park and can even be explored on a dive tour, you will also find untouched beaches, breathtaking hiking trails, and exciting wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and many rare bird species like the Kakapo, the only flightless parrot in the world. You can best explore these and many more highlights on foot, along one of the various circular routes. Many smaller routes only take one to two hours, but the most popular is the 53-kilometer-long Milford Track, which is also the most famous hiking trail in New Zealand. This trail showcases the unique fjord landscape beautifully over a four-day hike and is still manageable for inexperienced hiking tourists. Alternatively, a scenic boat tour or aerial sightseeing tour offers a breathtaking overview of the park.

Even though most people only think of New Zealand's two main islands, there is actually a third island - Stewart Island, which is 2,000 km² in size and home to Rakiura National Park. Founded in 2002, it is the youngest national park in New Zealand.

Once there, you will not only be captivated by the fantastic natural scenery, characterized by dense forests and rugged coastline, but also by the sounds of night birds, including Kiwis and Rurus, native owls that create goosebumps, especially at sunset. So it's best to head out at a time that allows you to enjoy an unforgettable sunset and take the chance to see the usually shy Kiwis up close with a bit of luck. If you have more time, be sure to explore the Rakiura Track on a three-day hike, which will take you into a world filled with paradise-like coves and over 100 different bird species - a true haven for birdwatchers.

To help you better plan your New Zealand trip, here's a quick overview of all the national parks in the country. I've already introduced you to my favorites, but perhaps you'd like to visit one of the other parks that lie on your way or seem even more attractive?

Be sure to pick several and discover this diverse country with its breathtaking flora and fauna. You can also find general travel tips for New Zealand in the travel magazine.

As you can see, New Zealand is bursting with treasures that await you during your time on both the North and South Islands. Are you ready?