Guide to New Zealand’s 13 National Parks

New Zealand’s national parks are the crown jewels of our country. Covering over 30,000 square kilometres—about 11% of our landmass—these 13 protected areas are where you’ll find our most "Instagrammable" peaks, ancient rainforests, and rarest wildlife.

Whether you’re a serious tramper or just looking for a scenic spot for a picnic, here is your roadmap to the wild heart of Aotearoa.

The North Island: Volcanos and Sacred Rivers

1. Tongariro National Park (World Heritage Site)

The oldest national park in NZ is a volcanic wonderland. Home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you’ll walk past emerald lakes and steaming vents.

Don't Miss: The "Mt Doom" views of Mt Ngauruhoe.

2. Egmont National Park

Dominated by the near-perfect cone of Mt Taranaki, this park offers everything from lush "goblin forests" to challenging summit climbs.

3. Whanganui National Park

Here, the focus is the mighty Whanganui River. Instead of a hike, take a "bridge to nowhere" jetboat tour or a multi-day canoe safari through the deep green heart of the island.

The Top of the South: Sunshine and Gold

4. Abel Tasman National Park

The smallest park but arguably the most popular. Think golden sand beaches, turquoise water, and easy coastal walking or kayaking.

5. Kahurangi National Park

The second-largest park and home to the Heaphy Track. Keep an eye out for the giant land snails and the Great Spotted Kiwi.

6. Nelson Lakes National Park

Centred around the stunning glacial lakes of Rotoiti and Rotoroa. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet forest walk or a classic "pier jump" photo.

The Southern Alps: High Peaks and Ancient Ice

7. Arthur’s Pass National Park

High in the Southern Alps, this is the best place to meet a Kea (our cheeky alpine parrot) at the Otira lookout.

8. Paparoa National Park

Home to the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki—limestone formations that look exactly like stacks of hotcakes being lashed by the Tasman Sea.

9. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (World Heritage Site)

The big one. Home to New Zealand’s highest peak and the Tasman Glacier. Whether you’re tramping the Hooker Valley or taking a ski-plane, the scale here is breathtaking.

10. Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Famous for the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. It’s one of the only places on Earth where you can see ice meet temperate rainforest.

The Deep South: Wild and Untamed

11. Mt Aspiring National Park

A hiker’s paradise. Highlights include the Blue Pools near Haast Pass and the spectacular Rob Roy Glacier track near Wanaka.

12. Fiordland National Park (World Heritage Site)

Our largest park and home to Milford Sound. Cruising the fiord is a rite of passage for any visitor - watch for fur seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.

The Ultimate Connection: The Routeburn Track

If you can’t decide between Mt Aspiring and Fiordland, why not walk between them? The Routeburn Track is a world-renowned Great Walk that links these two iconic parks. Over three days, you’ll traverse high alpine meadows, encounter crystal-clear tarns, and witness the dramatic shift from the beech forests of Mt Aspiring to the lush, mossy rainforests of Fiordland. It is, quite simply, one of the most spectacular alpine hikes on the planet.

13. Rakiura National Park

Located on Stewart Island, this is our newest park. It is the absolute best place in NZ to see a Kiwi in the wild, as they outnumber the humans here!

National Parks Comparison at a Glance

Park	Best Known For...	Top Activity
Tongariro	Volcanic Landscapes	Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Abel Tasman	Golden Beaches	Kayaking & Coastal Walking
Aoraki/Mt Cook	High Peaks & Glaciers	Hooker Valley Track
Fiordland	Deep Fiords	Milford Sound Cruise
Rakiura	Native Birdlife	Wild Kiwi Spotting

Plan Your National Park Adventure

Every one of our Self-Drive Itineraries is designed to get you into the heart of these parks. Whether you want to tick off the "Great Walks" or find a hidden waterfall, we can customise the perfect route for you.