New Zealand National Parks and Forests

About a thousand years ago, New Zealand was primarily a land of woods, peaks and seashores. In the countryside, prior to the habitation of humans, loudest noises heard were those of bird's chirping, breeze and waves.

Today, Department of Conservation (DOC) aims to preserve this scenic natural beauty of the nation. 20 spectacular forest parks are managed and protected by DOC from damage by various predators. Measures are taken to conserve the ancient beauty and grandeur of natural legacy. New Zealand National Parks and Forests enshrine the magnificent flora and fauna of the nation. They also help you discover and explore the splendor of the diverse and stunning topography, forest types and wildlife of New Zealand.

There are as more than 20 National Parks and Forests in New Zealand. The preserved region spreads over an area of about 3,085,171 hectares.

North Island offers beautiful surroundings near subtropical rainforests and comprises magnificent kauri trees. The central region is characterized by dense forest, open tussock tops, rivers and volcanic landforms. Top Southern Region pompously houses historic bush-clad mountains, alpine herb fields, sparkling lakes, and hot springs. While the Lower South is home to far reaching tussock lands, rock tors, gold mining areas, winter ski areas and plentiful coastal forests.

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's first national park created in the year 1887. Take a look at the list of national park in the New Zealand.

North Island National Parks

• Tongariro National Park, established in 1887 covers an area of 79,598 hectares
• Egmont National Park, established in 1900 covers an area of 33,543 hectares
• Puketi Forest covers an area of 15,000 hectares. This forest boasts of rich environmental diversity comprising 370 recorded species of some of the rarest plants.
• Pureora Forest Park was established in 1978.
• Rimutaka Forest Park, situated near Wellington, was established in October 1988.
• Russell Forest
• Tararua Forest Park is country's first Forest Park established in 1954.
• Te Urewera National Park established in 1954 covers an area of 212,673 hectares.
• Waipoua Kauri Forest is a primitive forest covering an area of 90 square kilometers.
• Whanganui National Park established in 1986 covers an area of 74,231 hectares.
• Whirinaki Forest Park

South Island National Parks

• Abel Tasman National Park established in 1942 covers an area of 22,541 hectares.
• Aoraki Mount Cook National Park covers an area of 70,728 hectares.
• Arthur's Pass National Park established in 1929 covers an area of 114,394 hectares
• Eyre Mountains / Taka Ra Haka Conservation Park
• Fiordland National Park established in 1952 covers an area of 1,257,000 hectares
• Hanmer Forest Park located in the Canterbury region.
• Kahurangi National Park established in 1996 covers an area of 452,000 hectares.
• Mount Aspiring National Park established in 1964 covers an area of 355,543 hectares.
• Nelson Lakes National Park established in 1956 covers an area of 101,753 hectares.
• Paparoa National Park established in 1987 covers an area of 30,560 hectares.
• Peel Forest established in 1909 covers an area of 773 hectares.
• Rakiura National Park established in 2001 covers an area of 163,000 hectares.
• Victoria Forest Park

National Parks & Forests As World Heritage Sites

• Te Wahipounamu or South West New Zealand
• Tongariro National Park
• New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands

DOC safeguards New Zealand's mystifying heritage by protecting it from the threats imposed by pest animals, weeds and humans.

These amazing spots are perfect for recreational activities. They provide countless adventurous experiences in and around these National Parks like :

Spring happens to be the best time to visit the sparkling beauty of the region. New Zealand is absolutely brilliant. You got to be here to experience the brilliance!