Nature of New Zealand - national parks and reserves for active recreation

It is hard to find another country that is as rich in natural landmarks and fabulous open-air areas as New Zealand. In this country, there are numerous national parks, clean lakes and rivers, mysterious caves, striking coastal areas, and, of course, endless ocean. It is impossible not to fall in love with New Zealand! Maybe, some tourists will be sad to hear that it is simply impossible to see all the fabulous landmarks of New Zealand during one vacation. However, there is a good thing in that – there is one more reason to return to New Zealand and continue acquaintance with this wonderful motherland of Maori people. By the way, there are ten main nature reserves in the country, with Tongariro, Egmont, Mount Cook, and Fiordland being the most popular.

Things to do in New Zealand - active leisure

Not everyone knows that New Zealand is home to some of the most extreme, odd, and thrilling entertainments. Travelers, who are aware of this fact, are …
Read further

Famous writer Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound Fiord “the eighth miracle of the world”. It is hard to think something different. Rough rocky cliffs and emerald woodlands, sparkling water and endless sky above – it is a magical place. Most travelers say they feel a connection with the nature and the universe in general when they visit Milford Sound. This fiord is located in one of the most famous national parks in the country, Fiordland. The local fauna is also unique. This park is home to endemic species – animals that do not live anywhere else in the world. For example, there is a parrot that looks more like an eagle.

Fiords, which are many in this park, are not the only advantage of Fiordland. The park, which was founded yet in the previous century, is a site protected by UNESCO. Unique ecosystem, breath-taking nature, and rare animals – these are the reasons why the famous organization added this park to the list of world’s treasures. In the Fiordland National Park, tourists can also see wonderful waterfalls, for example, Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls, Sutherland Falls, mountains (Mitre Peak, Mount Tutoko, Titiroa), and mountain rivers. Beeches, myrtle trees, and rare ferns are widespread in the park. Among animals, it is important to mention the Takahe, Weka, Kakapo owl parrot, jumping parrot, Southern Kiwi, petrels, and penguins. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

What you need to know about New Zealand prior to visit - advices

1. As people of New Zealand are very friendly and cheerful, they expect tourists to behave the same. Do not let them down! 2. Everyone is fluent in …
Read further

A visit to the North Island that locals call Te Ika-a-Māui is a mandatory part of every vacation. Roughly half of all treasures that New Zealand can offer are located here. Snow-capped mountains and valleys that are covered with emerald grass – the view is astonishing. This is the location of the famous Tongariro National Park. Geysers are an essential part of the island’s terrain. The ski season on the North Island lasts three months – from June to September. September also marks the start of the swimming season, so tourists who visit New Zealand this month can try both.

Northland, a part of the North Island, deserves a special mention. There are many myths and unclear stories about this region, but let’s not talk about those as local nature is the main attraction. Consider camping in Northland. There are short hiking tours and longer ones that require sleeping in a tent. Woodlands around Lake Kaiiwi and relic Waipoua Forest deserve a visit. There is a very interesting fact about Sullivan Park: local kiwi birds are not afraid of people and gladly take food right from hands.

What to see and what to visit in New Zealand with children

A vacation with kids of different age in New Zealand is not only a possible but is also a wonderful choice. First of all, this country has a mild and …
Read further

Wai-O-Tapu, one more amazing natural landmark in New Zealand, is also located on the North Island. In addition to its creative name, this area is a place of fantastic beauty. There is a volcano area with numerous mud springs, geysers, hot springs, and geothermal areas. Bubbling boiling water of different colors creates something like nature’s show with music. Different chemicals – manganese, silica, antimony, sulfur, and iron – add various shades to water. Absolutely everything about this area is unique. Even birds live not in trees but right in volcano craters.

This article about nature and national parks of New Zealand is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

New Zealand guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in New Zealand

Reference information

Map of all parks

National and city parks of New Zealand
♥ National Park 'Abel Tasman' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Aoraki Mount Cook' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Arthur’s Pass' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Egmont' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Fiordland' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Kahurangi' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Mount Aspiring' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Nelson Lakes' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Paparoa' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

♥ National Park 'Rakiura' . On the map Show on the map

Photos

Famous places and sights of New Zealand

Sutherland Falls

From the series “Greatest Waterfalls on Earth”

Sutherland Falls is, of course, one of the New Zealand Must See Waterfalls. It is located in the South Island outside the country and is among the world’s mightiest waterfalls. The rapid flow of water falls from a height of 580 meters. Sutherland Falls is the highest waterfall on the territory of Oceania which is not easily accessible. The way to it is rather complicated and goes through dense tropical forests. The waterfall is located on the territory of the unique natural Fiordland reserve. Walks through the reserve are very popular among active travellers and the adherents of ecotourism.

Sutherland Falls empties into the river Arthur, which sides are famous for the variety of vegetation and exotic inhabitants. Among the distinctive features of the beautiful waterfall the way of its … Read all

Moeraki Boulders

From the series “The Most Mysterious Geological Formations on the Planet”

Mysterious Moeraki Boulders occupy the leading position among the unique natural attractions of New Zealand. They’re situated near the village of the same name, at the picturesque sandy Koekohe Beach. When you see the huge rock formations of ideal spherical shape for the first time, it's difficult to assume that they are creations of entirely natural forces.

Strolling along the coast of 300 meters long you can find hundreds of perfectly round boulders. Their diameter varies and can range from 0.5 to 2.2 meters; stones also differ with their appearance. Surface of some of them is perfectly smooth, while the others are covered with very beautiful patterns strongly resembling of the turtle shell. Modern scientists have used all available technical stuff to explore these mysterious … Read all

All unique sightseeing New Zealand

Nature of New Zealand - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in New Zealand

Famous places and sights of New Zealand

Sutherland Falls

Moeraki Boulders

Photogallery of New Zealand

Cultural sights in regions of New Zealand

New Zealand: Map of sightseeing in regions