All 14 of New Zealand’s national parks are worth seeing. They are impressive and inspiring in their own right. However, if you are limited by time, there are three that you really should experience.
Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Over the millennia, the Ice Ages have carved out this masterpiece. At the top of the “must-see” list is Fiordland National Park, the largest of all New Zealand parks and probably the most spectacular. The fourteen fjords contained within the park are outstanding examples of glacial activity. Mountains rising above thick virgin podocast and beech forests, lush tracts of old-growth forest and fjords provide habitat for many of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Some of the most endangered native birds call this rugged and wild landscape home.
Three of the Great Walks are found in this impressive park; Milford Track (53.5km), Routeburn Track (32km), Kepler Track (60km). The trails that make up the Great Walks are well-maintained popular hiking trails that take you through some of the best scenery in the country. In addition, many of the Great Walks have cabins for hikers that can be reserved in advance.
Abel Tasman National Park
In stark contrast to Fiordland National Park, Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest of New Zealand’s parks. Due to earlier exploitation, the need for preservation was widely sought and the park was finally created in 1942. At the top of the South Island, this park is a coastal playground set in paradise. Stunningly beautiful granite cliffs, stunning beaches, and teeming wetlands provide an exceptional sight that draws visitors from near and far. Swimming, snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking and trekking are by far the most popular activities. There are restrictions, so be prepared and research what is allowed before you go.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Path (52km) is one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks. This is a popular 3-5 day hike with DOC cabins along the way. As with all Great Walk cabins, these must be reserved in advance. The ride takes you along the shoreline, exposing you to phenomenal views of the picturesque coastline. A second, less crowded trail, the Inland Track (37.5 km), is a roughly 3-day hike that takes you through regenerating forest to Evans Ridge, the highest point in the park. As with other hikes, there are a few cabins along the way that can be reserved.
egmont national park
The North Island Egmont National Park is the second oldest national park in New Zealand. Established in 1900, the park has Mount Egmont, or Taranaki, as its central feature. This volcano has become known as the most climbed mountain in New Zealand. Almost perfectly formed with an impressive snow cap, this volcano offers visitors stunning views of the landscape below.
Skiing, mountain climbing and walking are the preferred activities here. While there are cabins for mountaineers and cabins for hikers, you may want to sleep under the stars or stay in relative comfort at one of the lodges within the park.
Although you can think of your dog as family. they are not welcome in national parks, most conservation areas and reserves. In general, dogs disturb wildlife and that is something that is frowned upon. When planning your trip to a park, plan to have someone watch your animal family members.
These three parks will capture your heart and leave you wanting to explore more of this diamond in the South Pacific called New Zealand.
