National parks of New Zealand

Map of New Zealand National Park

Information board in Abel Tasman NP 04

Totaranui Beach 01

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Hooker Valley in front of Mount Cook Range

Edwards Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand 09

National Parks of New Zealand are protected areas administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) for the purpose of preserving New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of the public and the education and preservation for future generations. New Zealand's national parks cover diverse landscapes, from coastal regions and native forests to alpine areas and volcanic landscapes, reflecting the country's unique biodiversity and geology.

History

The concept of national parks in New Zealand was inspired by the national park movement in the United States and the United Kingdom. The first national park established in New Zealand was Tongariro National Park, created in 1887 through the donation of land by the Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV. This act of conservation was one of the earliest in the world where indigenous people contributed to the establishment of a national park. Since then, the network of national parks has expanded to include a diverse range of ecosystems and landscapes.

Legislation

The administration and management of national parks in New Zealand are governed by the National Parks Act 1980. This act outlines the criteria for the establishment of national parks, their management objectives, and the powers and functions of the DOC. The primary objective is the preservation of natural and historic resources for the benefit of the public. Activities within national parks are regulated to ensure they are consistent with the principles of conservation and the parks' natural values are maintained.

List of National Parks

New Zealand has 13 national parks, each with its unique attractions and ecosystems. These include:

• Abel Tasman National Park - Known for its golden beaches and coastal track.
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park - Home to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and glaciers.
• Arthur's Pass National Park - Features mountainous terrain and diverse ecosystems.
• Egmont National Park - Dominated by Mount Taranaki, an almost perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone.
• Fiordland National Park - Contains some of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand, including fjords, waterfalls, and the famous Milford Sound.
• Kahurangi National Park - Offers a range of wilderness experiences, from coastal walks to alpine trekking.
• Mount Aspiring National Park - A hiker's paradise with glaciers, river valleys, and alpine lakes.
• Nelson Lakes National Park - Encompasses the northernmost Southern Alps, including tranquil lakes surrounded by mountains.
• Paparoa National Park - Known for its limestone landscapes, including the Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
• Rakiura National Park - Located on Stewart Island, offering a chance to experience New Zealand's wildlife in a remote setting.
• Te Urewera National Park - Features the largest native forest in the North Island.
• Tongariro National Park - A dual World Heritage site, recognized for both its cultural and natural significance.
• Westland Tai Poutini National Park - Home to glaciers that descend from the Southern Alps to near sea level.

Conservation and Challenges

The national parks of New Zealand face various conservation challenges, including invasive species, climate change, and increasing tourism pressure. The DOC employs a range of conservation strategies, such as pest control programs, habitat restoration, and visitor education, to mitigate these challenges and ensure the protection of the parks' natural and cultural values.

Recreation and Tourism

National parks in New Zealand offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, kayaking, and bird watching, attracting both domestic and international tourists. The Great Walks, a series of premier hiking tracks that pass through some of the most spectacular landscapes, are among the most popular attractions.

See Also

• Conservation in New Zealand
• Department of Conservation (New Zealand)
• Tourism in New Zealand
• Wildlife of New Zealand