New Zealand's Stunning National Parks Guide | Click Travel Tips
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<strong>Exploring the Breathtaking Beauty of New Zealand's National Parks!</strong>
Planning an adventure? Unveil New Zealand’s majestic national parks, where soaring peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant wild...
Feb 19, 2023
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New Zealand is a land of stunning natural beauty, with its vibrant landscapes, rugged mountain peaks, and crystal clear sea. The best way to experience the country’s natural wonders is by visiting its national parks. From the North Island to the South Island, New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful parks in the world. In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular national parks in New Zealand and explore the many activities that one can do there.
Introduction to New Zealand National Parks
New Zealand is home to 14 national parks, spread across both the North and South Islands. These parks are managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), which is responsible for their preservation and protection. The DOC also oversees several other protected areas, such as marine reserves and historic sites.
The national parks of New Zealand are incredibly diverse, ranging from alpine areas to tropical forests. They are also home to a variety of wildlife, including native birds, reptiles, and mammals. Many of the parks feature some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, with panoramic views of the mountains, lakes, and ocean.
Exploring the National Parks of the North Island
The North Island of New Zealand is home to six national parks, each offering its own unique experiences.
The largest park is Tongariro National Park, located in the middle of the island.
Known for its dramatic landscape, it features three active volcanoes and three of the country’s most iconic mountains.
It is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, including the famous Tongariro Crossing.
Abel Tasman National Park
The North Island also boasts some of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches.
One of the best places to experience them is Abel Tasman National Park, located in the northern part of the island.
This park offers stunning coastal scenery and is home to an array of wildlife, including seals, penguins, dolphins, and even whales.
Urewera National Park
The North Island has spectacular forest areas as well.
Urewera National Park, located in the eastern part of the island, is home to some of the country’s most diverse wildlife, including native birds, reptiles, and mammals.
It is also a great place to go camping, with a number of camping grounds located within the park.
Discovering the National Parks of the South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is home to eight national parks, each offering its own unique experiences.
Fiordland National Park
The largest park is Fiordland National Park, located in the southwest of the island.
Known for its dramatic landscape, it features some of the country’s most spectacular fiords and mountains.
It is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, including the famous Milford Track.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
The South Island is also known for its spectacular alpine scenery.
One of the best places to experience it is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, located in the central part of the island.
This park offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and is home to some of the country’s most iconic mountains, including Mount Cook, the highest peak in the country.
Abel Tasman National Park
Interestingly, Abel Tasman National Park is also found in the South Island.
It offers stunning coastal scenery and is home to an array of wildlife, including seals, penguins, dolphins, and even whales.
Popular Hiking Trails in New Zealand National Parks
New Zealand is well known for its stunning hiking trails, and its national parks are some of the best places to experience them.
North Island Trails
Some of the most popular trails include:
Tongariro Crossing
Urewera Wild Track
Abel Tasman Coastal Track
South Island Trails
In the South Island, some of the most popular trails are:
Milford Track
Routeburn Track
Kepler Track
All of these trails offer spectacular views of the country’s natural beauty and can be completed in a few days or even a single day.
Wildlife in New Zealand National Parks
New Zealand is home to a variety of native wildlife, and its national parks are some of the best places to experience them.
North Island Wildlife
Common animals include:
Kiwi
Takahe
Kea
Morepork
South Island Wildlife
In the South Island, some of the most common animals are:
Kakapo
Kakariki
Tui
Many of the national parks also have populations of introduced animals, such as deer, goats, and pigs. These animals can be seen in many of the parks and can be a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
Bird Watching in New Zealand National Parks
New Zealand is home to a variety of native birds, and its national parks are some of the best places to experience them.
North Island Birds
Common birds include:
Tui
Kereru
Kaka
Morepork
South Island Birds
In the South Island, common birds are:
Kakapo
Kiwi
Kea
Many parks also have populations of introduced birds, such as blackbirds, starlings, and sparrows. These birds can be seen in many of the parks and can be a real treat for birdwatchers.
Camping and Accommodation in New Zealand National Parks
New Zealand’s national parks offer a variety of accommodation options, ranging from camping and caravan sites to luxury lodges.
Camping is a popular option, as it allows you to experience the country’s natural beauty up close.
Most parks have campsites, many of which include facilities such as toilets, showers, and picnic areas.
If camping is not your thing, there are also a number of luxury lodges located within the parks. These lodges offer a more comfortable experience, with rooms equipped with all the modern amenities.
Activities in New Zealand National Parks
The national parks of New Zealand offer a variety of activities, including:
Hiking and biking
Bird watching and wildlife spotting
Abseiling, caving, and rock climbing
For those looking for a more relaxing experience, many parks also offer guided tours and walks. These tours are a great way to learn more about the country’s natural beauty, as well as its unique wildlife and culture.
The Best Time to Visit New Zealand National Parks
The best time to visit the national parks of New Zealand depends on the type of experience you are looking for.
For a more active experience, the summer months are ideal, as the weather is usually mild and the days are long.
For a more relaxing experience, the winter months may be preferable, as the days are shorter and the weather is usually mild.
However, it is important to note that some parks may be closed during the winter months due to snow.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s national parks are some of the most incredible places in the world and are well worth a visit. Whether you are looking for an active experience or a more relaxing one, there is something for everyone in these stunning parks.
So why not take a trip to one of the country’s national parks and experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand for yourself?
