South Island of New Zealand, also known "Te Wai Pounamu" in Maori meaning "Water Of Greenstone" is a place of spectacular tourist spot. It offers diverse adventure options like Tramping, Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Jet Boating, Biking and Canoeing. South Island National Parks offer breathe taking landscapes and gives you the opportunity to experience the best of what nature has in store.
South Island is a home to several national and forest parks. South Island protected areas are governed and maintained by DOC. Herein is a list of various national parks in South Island.
Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942. Spread over an area of 22,541 Hectares is famed across for its beautiful Beaches, Sculptured Granite Cliffs, and the stunning Abel Tasman Coast Track. The mild climate of the region makes it apt for being visited all round the year. Abel Tasman is apparently New Zealand's Smallest National Park.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park covers an area of 70,728 Hectares. An Alpine in its truest sense, Aoraki is a house to Sky High Peaks, Glaciers and magnificent Snow Fields. Mount Cook is the nation's tallest mountain and also has historic significance.
Arthur's Pass National Park covers an Area of 114,394 Hectares was established in 1929. Landscapes of Arthur's Pass is a delight to the tourists.
Eyre Mountains or Taka Ra Haka Conservation Park pompously stands between the wet Granite Mountains of Fiordland and Classic Drier Schist landscape of Central Otago. This particular location houses some of the rarest species of the world.
Fiordland National Park comprises far stretched mountains and valleys. This particular national park was established in 1952. Covering an area of 1,257,000 Hectares Fiordland includes magnificent Mountain, Lake, Fiord and Rainforest Environments.
Hanmer Forest Park is a family park in real sense. Situated in the Canterbury Region, the park is by all means an enthralling adventurous spot giving great scope for recreational activities.
Kahurangi National Park was created in 1996. It covers an area of 452,000 Hectares making it the Second Largest Park of New Zealand. Kahurangi is apparently one of country's recently developed national parks.
Mount Aspiring National Park is house to one of The Highest Peaks of The Nation, Mt Aspiring. Established in 1964 this park offers beautiful Mountains, Glaciers, River Valleys and Alpine Lakes. It is spread over an area of 355,543 Hectares.
Nelson Lakes National Park was established in the year 1956. Covering over an area of 101,753 Hectares, Nelson Lakes protects the northern most Southern Alps. The park offers serene Beech Forest, Mountains, Streams and Lakes.
Paparoa National Park created in 1987 is about 30,560 Hectares in area. It offers Abundant Coastal Forest, Sandstone Cliffs and Canyons, Stunning Caves, Wonderful Underground Streams and Spectacular Coastline.
Peel Forest was established in 1909. Area wise it is about 773 Hectares. It's an amazing recreational area for those in search of serenity and peace.
Rakiura National Park established in 2001 covers an area of 163,000 Hectares. The best part about the park is the beautiful and magnificent sunset and sunrise.
Victoria Forest Park is a rarely visited area. However, it gives scope for several recreational activities such as Walks, Tramps, Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Horse-Trekking.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park was established in 1960. There are as many as 60 Glaciers in the park. The park covers an area of protects the 1,175 Square Kms.
Mesmerizing landscapes, mighty ranges, rushing rivers and lakes along with the rich heritage of the nation, South Island national parks have everything what it takes to be recognized as the best tourist spot. Visit South Island to experience the thrill. It's surely going to be the best trip ever!
