New Zealand is a country that is blessed with natural beauty. This country’s landscapes are a nature lover’s paradise, from stunning glaciers to breathtaking forests. With 13 national parks, New Zealand is a treasure trove of natural wonders. The national parks offer everything from snow-capped mountains to serene lakes, lush forests, and rugged coastlines. If you’re planning a visit to New Zealand and love hiking, then exploring the national parks is a must. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to the best of New Zealand’s national parks and give you a glimpse of what makes each of them so unique.
Fiordland National Park:
Fiordland National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest national parks in New Zealand. The park is known for its stunning fjords, waterfalls, and rugged mountains. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Milford Track – a 53-kilometre journey through some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. The Milford Track takes about four days to complete and takes you through valleys, mountain ranges, and serene lakes.
Tongariro National Park:
Tongariro National Park is located in the central North Island and is known for its three active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu. The park is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most popular hikes in the park and takes you through volcanic terrain, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys. The hike is about 19.4 kilometres long and takes six to eight hours to complete.
Abel Tasman National Park:
Abel Tasman National Park is located on the north coast of the South Island and is known for its golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests. The park is perfect for kayaking, hiking, and swimming. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which takes about three to five days to complete. The trail takes you through beautiful beaches, dense forests, and stunning coastal cliffs.
Mount Aspiring National Park:
Mount Aspiring National Park is located in the Southern Alps and is known for its snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. The park is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. The Routeburn Track is one of the most popular hikes in the garden and takes about two to four days to complete. The trail takes you through scenic valleys, alpine meadows, and beautiful waterfalls.
Paparoa National Park:
Paparoa National Park is located on the west coast of the South Island and is known for its rugged mountains, deep gorges, and beautiful limestone caves. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Paparoa Track, which takes about two to three days to complete. The trail takes you through the famous Punakaiki Rocks, beautiful limestone cliffs, and dense forests.
New Zealand’s national parks are a nature lover’s paradise. These parks have something for everyone, from towering mountains to serene lakes and lush forests to rugged coastlines. With so much natural beauty, choosing which park to explore can be challenging. However, you’re in for an unforgettable experience, whichever park you choose. So, pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in the land of the long white cloud.
