Discover the 13 National Parks of New Zealand
From snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes to coastal forests and island sanctuaries, New Zealand’s 13 national parks protect some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Together, they tell the story of Aotearoa’s wild beauty - each one unique, unspoiled, and waiting to be explored.
Here’s where to visit all 13 national parks of New Zealand - and what makes each one worth the journey.
1. Tongariro National Park – Central North Island
New Zealand’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tongariro is famous for its volcanic peaks, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu and its starring role as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings. Here you can walk a Great Walk of New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, in the warmer months. In winter, hit the slopes at Whakapapa and Tūroa for an unforgettable alpine experience.
Image courtesy of Ruapehu Tourism
2. Whanganui National Park – Central North Island
Whanganui is a park defined by water and history, where the river winds through lush forest and deep gorges. Here you can paddle the Whanganui Journey, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks (by canoe!) In 2017, the Whanganui River became the first in the world recognised as a legal person, reflecting the Māori belief that it is an ancestor. Guardians now speak on its behalf, preserving it for future generations.
Image courtesy of Ruapehu Tourism
3. Te Papakura o Taranaki (Egmont National Park) – Central North Island
Dominated by the perfectly conical Mount Taranaki, this park is a striking mix of alpine terrain and lush rainforest. Hike to the Pouakai Tarns for the iconic mirrored reflection of the peak, wander the surrounding forests, or explore waterfalls cascading from verdant slopes. Mount Taranaki’s slopes inspired scenes in The Last Samurai, and Māori stories imbue the landscape with spiritual significance. Whether you’re trekking, photographing, or simply absorbing the scenery, this National Park is impossible to forget.
Image courtesy of Ruapehu Tourism
4. Abel Tasman National Park – Top of the South
Golden beaches, turquoise waters, and coastal walking tracks make Abel Tasman a haven for kayakers and hikers alike. The Abel Tasman Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, winds past sheltered bays and native bush, with opportunities to spot seals and native birds. Swim in crystal-clear coves, paddle along the coastline, or simply bask in the sun on the sands. This park offers a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, ideal for those craving quiet nature.
Image courtesy of Nelson Tasman Tourism
5. Nelson Lakes National Park – Top of the South
A compact alpine region framed by forested valleys, Nelson Lakes National Park is home to the tranquil glacial lakes Rotoroa and Rotoiti. Hike gentle lakeside tracks or tackle challenging alpine trails through beech forests alive with native birdsong. Rich in Māori legend, the Nelson Lakes are where Chief Rakaihaitu dug the lakes with his ko (digging stick), creating Rotoroa (“large waters”) and Rotoiti (“small waters”). The park’s combination of mountains, lakes, and mythology makes it a peaceful escape for all levels of adventurers.
Image courtesy of Nelson Tasman Tourism
6. Kahurangi National Park – Top of the South
New Zealand’s second-largest national park, Kahurangi, is a realm of diverse landscapes, from wild coastlines to ancient forests and karst limestone formations. Walk part of the Heaphy Track – a Great Walk, encounter rare native flora, or explore caves and arches in the Oparara Basin. With abundant hiking trails and secluded spots, it’s a place where discovery feels endless, and the sense of remoteness is palpable. Adventure and biodiversity go hand-in-hand here.
Image courtesy of Nelson Tasman Tourism
7. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Central South Island
Home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki, this alpine wonderland features glaciers, rugged peaks, and stargazing within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Hike trails ranging from short scenic walks to multi-day alpine adventures, or explore icebergs calved from nearby glaciers by kayak or boat. The striking scenery and crisp alpine air leave a lasting impression, making it a must-visit for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers alike.
Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
8. Arthur’s Pass National Park – Central South Island
Arthur’s Pass is where dramatic alpine ridges meet roaring rivers and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for kea, the cheeky mountain parrots, or hike iconic tracks like Avalanche Peak for jaw-dropping views. This park offers a mix of adventure, wildlife, and serenity, with routes accessible for both casual walkers and seasoned mountaineers. A drive through Arthur’s Pass is a journey in itself, or stay at one of the park's lodges showcasing the grandeur of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
9. Paparoa National Park – West Coast
Home to the world-famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park is a dramatic mix of coastal rainforest, limestone cliffs, and caves. Walk the Paparoa Track, one of New Zealand’s newest Great Walks, for panoramic mountain-to-sea vistas, or explore hidden caves carved over millennia. The park is a blend of geological wonders, native flora, and the raw power of the Tasman Sea, offering a truly immersive experience for nature lovers.
Image courtesy of Nimmo Photography
10. Westland Tai Poutini National Park – West Coast
A landscape of extremes where dense rainforests meet ancient glaciers. Explore the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, take a scenic flight, or visit serene Lake Matheson for its mirror reflections of Aoraki /Mount Cook. The juxtaposition of ice, forest, and mountains makes this park one of New Zealand’s most visually striking destinations.
Image courtesy of Fox Glacier Guiding
11. Mount Aspiring National Park – Southern South Island
Mount Aspiring National Park is a playground for adventurers, with alpine valleys, glaciers, and soaring peaks. Access the park via Haast Pass, Wānaka, or Glenorchy. Enjoy multi-day hikes like the Routeburn Track, jetboat rides along the Matukituki River, glacier viewing at Rob Roy or the turquoise waters of the Blue Pools.
12. Fiordland National Park – Southern South Island
One of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth, Fiordland is home to 14 fjords, including Piopiotahi/Milford Sound and Patea/Doubtful Sound. Fiordland has the highest concentration of Great Walks of New Zealand in any single park, homing four of the nine - the Milford, Kepler, Hump Ridge, and Routeburn Tracks. Known as Ata Whenua (The Shadowland) to locals, Fiordland is a place of awe and reflection, where nature's grandeur is humbling and unforgettable.
Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
13. Rakiura National Park – Stewart Island
With 85% of Stewart Island protected as a national park, Rakiura offers untouched beauty and rare wildlife. Walk a Great Walk of New Zealand, the Rakiura Track, spot kiwi in the wild, and experience life in New Zealand’s southernmost sanctuary.
Image courtesy of Liz Carlson
Discover Our National Parks Your Way
Each of New Zealand’s national parks has its own story - whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply taking in the view. Our self-drive and guided travel packages make it easy to connect these incredible places into one seamless journey through Aotearoa’s natural heart.