This page is a directory to the wild places of New Zealand. You will find information on the various national parks and links to various accommodation options in each area.
What's on this Page:
INTRODUCTION:
New Zealand is in many respect a wild country with about a third of the country protected in one form or another.
NATIONAL PARKS:
New Zealand has 14 national parks, with each being listed below:
The Abel Tasman National Park protects an area of about 22 500 hectares around Tasman Bay on the South Island of New Zealand. Tonga Island Marine Reserve is located along the coast of the national park.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk is an important easy three day walk in the national park. There is also the Abel Tasman Inland Track which is a more difficult four day walk.
See also:
http://abeltasmanmarahaucamp.co.nz/
http://nationalpark.abeltasman.co.nz/
http://www.abeltasman.co.nz/
http://www.abeltasmangreenrush.co.nz/
http://www.abeltasman.net.nz/
http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz/
http://www.kanukalodge.co.nz/
http://www.nelsonnz.com/abeltasman/
http://www.seakayaknz.co.nz/
The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park has at it's heart the impressive Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. It rises to a height of 3 753m.
Arthur's Pass National Park covers an area of some 99 000 hectares in the New Zealand Southern Alps. It borders the Westland/Tai Poutini National Park.
Edgmont National Park protects an area of about 33 500 hectares.
The Fiordland National Park protects an impressive 1 252 000 hectares of amazing wilderness, including the world famous Milford Sound.
The Kalurangi National Park protects an area of 400 000 hectares. This impressive national park is home to half of New Zealand's native plant species, 100 bird species, New Zealand's two native mammal species (both bats) and 12 native species of fish.
The park has some 570km of walking tracks.
Nelson Lakes National Park protects some 102 000 hectares surrounding Lake Rotoita and Lake Rotoroa.
Paparoa National Park protects an are of about 28 000 hectares and is located on the west coast of the South Island. The park is characterised by rugged coastline and a number of deep caves.
Te Urewere National Park protects some 213 000 hectares on New Zealand's North Island.
Tongariro National Park protects some 78 500 hectares in the centre of New Zealand's North Island and includes several active volcanoes.
Whanganui National Park protects some 74 000 hectares on New Zealand's North Island. It is located along New Zealand's second longest river, the Whanganui River.
GENERAL LINKS:
The New Zealand Department of Conservation has the job of protecting New Zealand's wild places.
This is the government's web site for the Department of Conservation and its listing of national parks. There is a link for each park with further information provided on each park.
The National Parks and Conservation Foundation works with the New Zealand Department of Conservation to preserve the wild places of New Zealand.
This site provides some useful introductory comments on each of New Zealand's national parks.
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31/05/2008
