National Parks

Aotearoa New Zealand has 13 national parks, spanning 30,000 square kilometres of untouched wilderness – roughly, the size of Belgium. These parks protect some of our most spectacular landscapes, ranging from alpine, volcanic, and coastal regions to forests and wetlands.

Several of these parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, internationally recognised for their outstanding natural beauty. The largest heritage area covers a 450 km tract of the South Island's southwest coast, encompassing Westland Tai Poutini, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks.

Entry to our parks is free and open to visitors year-round. Most parks offer basic accommodation option, including hostels, huts, and camping grounds. Visitors can enjoy a variety of walks and hikes, including many of New Zealand’s Great Walks. 

Wondering which park to visit? Check out this summary of our top national parks and their most stunning features.

North Island

• Tongariro National Park: A dual UNESCO World Heritage area, recognised for its cultural significance for Māori and its outstanding volcanic features. It’s also home to the country’s top day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 
• Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki: Formerly known as Egmont National Park, Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is one of the country’s most assessable national parks. Here, the volcano Taranaki rules supreme.
• Abel Tasman National Park: Renowned for its golden sand beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track.
• Whanganui National Park: It may not pay taxes or vote, but the Whanganui River has the same legal rights as you and me. In 2017, it became the first river to be legally recognised as a person, in acknowledgement of the spiritual connection Māori have with the river. The river’s most famous attraction is the Whanganui Journey, a self-guided five-day trip by canoe or kayak covering 145 km of the river.

South Island

• Fiordland National Park: Home to stunning fjords like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, offering dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: Dominated by New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and known for its alpine scenery and challenging hiking trails.
• Westland Tai Poutini National Park: Stretching from the rugged beaches of the West Coast to the razor peaks of the Southern Alps, this park offers a diverse range of natural attractions, including Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
• Rakiura National Park: Located on the country’s third largest island, Stewart Island/Rakiura, the park is a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff or 20 minutes by plane from Invercargill.