{"id":10799,"date":"2020-07-31T10:39:39","date_gmt":"2020-07-31T00:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=10799"},"modified":"2021-04-16T16:33:42","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T06:33:42","slug":"10-unreal-nz-national-parks-you-need-to-explore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/new-zealand\/nz-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"10 unreal NZ national parks you need to explore"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know New Zealand boasts an insane 30,000 square kilometres of wilderness? How awesome is that?! With all that greenery comes some pretty epic national parks. We reckon these 10 should be at the top of your must-visit list. Here\u2019s why\u2026<\/p>\n

1. Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson – Tasman<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It might be New Zealand\u2019s smallest national park, but Abel Tasman National Park is BIG on things to do. Explore on foot, by boat or via air for an unforgettable experience \u2013 the area is full of crystal-clear streams, golden sands and the sounds of birds in the air.<\/p>\n

2. Fiordland National Park, Southland<\/h2>\n

It took around 100,000 years for the 14 fiords in the national park to form. And according to M\u0101ori legend, the glacier-carved valleys are thanks to the great god Tu-te-raki-whanoa. They are stunning. A trip to the Eighth Wonder of the World isn\u2019t to be missed.<\/p>\n

3. Mount Aspiring National Park, Otago<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

Hikers adore this park full of valleys, glaciers and mountains. In summer, you can walk from one valley to another, if your legs can handle it. For a breezier hike on the South Island, a 30-minute stroll to the Blue Pools leads you over a bridge overlooking the crystal-clear water of the Blue River. This place is a must-visit for fans of Middle-earth.<\/p>\n

4. Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island<\/h2>\n

When you can’t get to Norway for the Northern Lights, try Rakiura National Park for its stunning Southern Lights instead! Stop at Rakiura and you\u2019ll get why it translates to \u2018the Land of Glowing Skies\u2019. Check out the Stewart Island side because you\u2019ll have an excellent chance of seeing a kiwi in the wild!<\/p>\n

5. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

Famous for being the training ground for local mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary before he became the first confirmed climber to summit Everest in 1953, Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in all of NZ. It\u2019s best for snow bunnies, mountaineers and stargazers, which means a detour to the International Dark Sky Reserve is a must.<\/p>\n

6. Arthurs Pass National Park, Canterbury<\/h2>\n

Another fave for those taking the road less travelled is Arthurs Pass National Park. It\u2019s smack bang between Canterbury and the West Coast and while you\u2019re exploring, keep your eyes peeled for the cute kea. They\u2019re known for their inquisitive personalities.<\/p>\n

7. Tongariro National Park, Whanganui – Manawatu<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

Sitting atop three volcanoes, Tongariro National Park is one heck of a dramatic spot. Want to feel like you\u2019re in an apocalyptic alternate universe? Tongario ticks all the boxes. It\u2019s also NZ’s first EVER national park and features emerald green lakes. Wander past the spectacular waterfalls or take the six-day Round the Mountain walk.<\/p>\n

8. Nelson Lakes National Park, Nelson – Tasman<\/h2>\n

Enchanting is the best way to describe Nelson Lakes National Park. The stunning lakes of Rotorua (large waters) and Rotoiti (small waters) are engulfed by steep mountains, offering challenging lakeside walking tracks. It\u2019s also a great spot for snorkelling in summer.<\/p>\n

9. Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

If you see yourself as an adventurer, this is the park for you. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is home to the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, which move up to four metres every single day. If you stand at the foot of the glacier you can hear the sounds of the ancient ice grinding. The Ice Age never ended here, so be sure to pack a jumper and keep warm.<\/p>\n

10. Whanganui National Park, Whanganui<\/h2>\n

The highlight of Whanganui National Park is the Bridge to Nowhere, a concrete bridge with no signs, no road at either side and little sign of civilisation. You can reach the bridge via boat or take a two-day hike along the Mangapurua Track, which starts at Whakahoro. For those with the arm strength, the 290km Whanganui River is a great paddle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/i> PLAN YOUR NZ GETAWAY <\/a>\n