Exploring New

Zealands Parks
A guide to the national, maritime,
tussockland and forest parks of Aotearoa.
North Island Te Ika a Maui
Cover Photo:
Whirinaki
Forest Park
Mt Taranaki/Egmont
Northland Forest Park
Panekiri Bluff, LakeWaikaremoana
Kauri Driving Dam
Gt Barrier Island
Photo: Matt Ward
Introduction
Welcome to NewZealands national,
maritime and forest parks, a world-class
systemof reserves looked after bythe
Department of Conservation. This
pamphlet outlines some of the main
features found in each park, the services
and facilities provided bythe department,
and other general informationto help you
planyour visit. It also includes information
on several other protected areas. This
brochure does not cover parks managed
bylocal authorities.
Protected land
NewZealand has more thanfive million
hectares - a third of its land area
protected in parks and reserves. They
embodyanincredible varietyof
landscapes and vegetation. Fromthe
mangrove-fringed tidal inlets of Northland
to the snow-capped volcanoes of the
central plateau; fromthe forests of Te
Urewera to the majestic fiords, glaciers
and mountains of the south, this land is
unique. Plants and animals found nowhere
else on earth can be found here.
There are extensive opportunities for
outdoor enjoyment, ranging fromwater
skiing to snowskiing and snowboarding,
fromdiving and snorkelling to mountain
climbing, fromkayaking to tramping and
trout fishing. But most of all, lands
administered bythe Department of
Conservationoffer the chance to enjoyan
unspoiled primeval landscape, where
humans have had onlyminimal impact.
Bay of Islands Maritime and
Historic Park
Natural beautyand historic significance are
keyfeatures of this park of islands, bays,
beaches, tidal inlets and mangroves.
Activities for everyone include visits to
historic and archaeological sites, forest
and coastal walks, boating, swimming,
diving, big game fishing and camping.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Russell Visitor Centre, The Strand,
Russell.
Ph: (09) 4039005
email: Russellvc@doc.govt.nz
Northland Forest Park
(Area: approx80,000hectares)
Rainforest dominated bygiant kauri,
including NewZealands biggest tree, Tane
Mahuta. The park is made up of many
separate pockets of forest. It has lots of
short walks and several long tracks, or you
can viewthe forests fromthe road. A must
for botanists and birdwatchers. Public
transport to some parts of the park, but
private transport needed to others.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Kauri Coast Visitor Centre,
DargavillePh: (09) 4393011Fax; (09) 4393016
TarewaParkVisitor Centre
92Otaika Road, Whangarei.
Ph: (09) 4302007
email: whangareivc@doc.govt.nz
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
A large maritime park with47islands right
on the doorstep of NewZealands largest
city, Auckland. Plentyof scope for yachting
and water sports, and the inner islands are
easilyaccessible for picnicking, camping
and walking trips. Highlights
include: Rangitoto Island,
Tiritiri Matangi Island (an
open sanctuaryfor
endangered species),
KawauIsland (withits
historic Mansion House), and
North Head and Fort
Takapuna, (areas steeped in
militaryhistory). Outer
islands are mainlynature
reserves closed to casual
visitors. Great Barrier Island
(a large partlyforested
island onthe edge of the
park) has opportunities for
camping and a range of
walks and tramps.
Information Information Information Information Information: Auckland
InformationCentre, Ground
Floor, FerryBuildings, QuaySt,
Auckland.
Ph: (09) 3796476
email: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz
Coromandel Forest Park
(Area: approx74,961hectares)
Easilyaccessed fromAuckland, Hamilton
or Tauranga, this is a popular recreational
park withluxuriant forest, volcanic
landforms and historic mining and milling
sites. Activities include easywalks,
fishing, swimming, tramping and
camping inthe forest near coastal farm
parks, and fishing, sailing, swimming
and diving around the coast.
Information Information Information Information Information: Kauaeranga Visitor Centre
Kauaeranga ValleyRoad, Thames
Ph: (07) 8679080
email: kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz
Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park
(Area37,141hectares)
A narrow, rugged, forested park
running the lengthof the Kaimai-
Mamakuranges. Withineasyreachof
Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamiltonand
Auckland, it offers bushwalks,
tramping, picnicking, rockclimbing,
hunting, and exploring old gold mining
and kauri milling sites. Public
transport available to within5
kilometres of the park.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of Conservation,
253ChadwickRoad, GreertonWest,
Tauranga.
Ph: (07) 5787677
Pirongia Forest Park
(Area: 16,738hectares)
Small and denselyforested, with
interesting plant life, this park is
centred around the slopes of 3extinct
volcanoes. Only30kilometres from
Hamilton. Ideal for short walks and 1
or 2daytramps, also hunting.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of Conservation,
18LondonStreet, Hamilton.
Ph: (07) 8383363
Raukumara Forest Park
(Area: 115,100hectares)
Rugged forested ranges, featuring
one of NewZealands foremost wild
and scenic rivers, the Motu. Access
is difficult and good fitness levels,
navigationskills, bushexperience
and equipment are required.
Whitewater rafting, wilderness
tramping and hunting.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of Conservation,
63CarnavonSt, Gisborne. Ph: (06) 869
0460
email:gisborne-ao@doc.govt.nz;
Department of Conservation, Cnr Elliott &St J ohn
Street, Opotiki. Ph: (07) 3151001
Fax: (07) 3151011
email: opotiki-ao@doc.govt.nz
Pureora Forest Park
(Area: 72,335hectares)
Magnificent, dense, podocarp forest with
rich bird life, onthe westernside of Lake
Taupo. Home of the rare North Island
kokako. Forest viewing tower. Forest walks,
camping, birdwatching, scenic drives,
tramping and hunting.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of Conservation, 18
LondonStreet, , Hamilton
Ph: (07) 8383363or (07) 8781080
email: pureorafc@doc.govt.nz
Whirinaki Forest Park
(Area: 60,900hectares)
Famous for its magnificent podocarp
forests. Short and daywalks, tramping,
camping, birdwatching, hunting, fishing
and canoeing onthe Whirinaki River. One
of the fewtrue five dayloops inNZ. About
100kilometres fromRotorua.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of Conservation,
StateHighway38, Murupara.
Ph: (07) 3661080
Fax: (07) 3661082
Te Urewera National Park
(Area: 212,672hectares)
A vast, remote, forested wilderness within
reach of Rotorua (Murupara to Lake
Waikaremoana takes around 2hours 15
mins), witha richheritage of Maori history
and legend. The largest untouched stretch
of native forest left inthe NorthIsland.
Crystal clear lakes and rivers. Excellent
tramping and short walks throughluxuriant
forest, including the 45kilometre Lake
WaikaremoanaTrack. Birdwatching,
hunting, fishing, canoeing and boating.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre
Ph: (06) 8373803Fax: (06) 8373722
StateHighway38, Aniwaniwa
Email: urewerainfo@doc.govt.nz
Egmont National Park
(Area: 33,169hectares)
Centred around the volcanic cone of Mt
Taranaki/Egmont, this park has up to 200
kilometres of walks and tracks. Montane
forest, volcanic landforms, mountain
streams and waterfalls, and alpine
herbfields. Snow, ice and rock climbing
and a skifield. Panoramic views fromthe
summit which is an8-hour alpine climb.
Only30kilometres fromNewPlymouth.
Major tramping opportunities inthe park
include the 3-4dayAround the Mountain
Circuit and the premier two dayPouakai
Circuit fromNorthEgmont.
Note: Note: Note: Note: Note: The mountain weather can be harsh
and changeable. Care is needed above
the bushline at all times.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: North Egmont Visitor Centre,
Egmont Road, Egmont Village, RD6Inglewood.
Ph: (06) 7560990 Fax: (06) 7560991
email: nevc@doc.govt.nz
DawsonFalls Visitor Centre
RD29KapongaTaranaki, Hawera
Ph: (025) 430248
Whanganui National Park
(Area: 74,231hectares)
A park based around the historic
Whanganui river ina rugged setting of
dense forest, Maori historic sites and
abandoned farmsettlements. Accessible
byroad or jet boat. Excellent long distance
canoeing suitable for novices and
experienced canoeists, and jet boating.
Short walks and longer tramps through
wild lowland forests, including the
Matemateaonga and Mangapurua tracks,
also hunting.
Note Note Note Note Note: Check river conditions when
planning a canoe trip. Be prepared to
change your plans if the river is rising or in
flood.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of Conservation, 74
IngestreStreet, Wanganui
Ph: (06) 3452402Fax: (06) 3458712
Tongariro National Park
(Area: 79, 598hectares)
Tongariro National Park is NewZealands
oldest national park. The park is also a
World Heritage Area. A spectacular alpine
park with3active volcanoes - Mt
Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.
The landscape includes lava flows, active
craters, hot springs, lakes, grasslands,
forest and alpine herbfields. Well
developed facilities enable year-round
walking and tramping, including the
Tongariro Crossing and the Northern
Circuit. Winter skiing, mountain, ice and
rock climbing are well catered for.
Note: Be prepared for harsh and
changeable weather at these higher
altitudes.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Whakapapa Visitor Centre
Whakapapa Village, Mount Ruapehu
Ph: (07) 8923729
Email: whakapapavc@doc.govt.nz
Kaweka Forest Park
(Area: 67,147hectares)
Alpine shrublands, tussock valleys and
beech forests with pockets of podocarp
are the predominant features of this back
countrypark. The park offers rafting,
canoeing, hunting and fishing, hot springs
and tramping for both experienced
trampers and daywalkers. Picnic and
camping spots at road-ends. Be prepared
for rapid weather changes.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of Conservation,
Hawkes BayAreaOffice,
59MarineParade, Napier.
Ph: (06) 8343111 Fax(06) 8344869
email: napier-ao@doc.govt.nz
Kaimanawa Forest Park
(Area76,348hectares)
A remote rugged mountain wilderness,
accessible fromTurangi and off the Taupo/
Napierhighway(SH5). Plentyof scope
for hunting, wilderness tramping,
fishing, rafting and canoeing.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of
Conservation, TurangaPlace, Turangi.
Ph: (07) 3868607
Ruahine Forest Park
(Area:93,068hectares)
Rugged ranges witha network of
tramping tracks and huts through
the forest, river valleys, tussock
and opentops. Hunting, tramping
riverside camping and fishing. The
easternside of the range is
managed fromHawkes Bayand
the western side fromPalmerston
North. Two verypopular tracks
recommended for familygroups
are Sunrise Track inthe east and
Rangiwahia inthe west, both
traverse lowland podocarp forest
to alpine pasture.
Note: Note: Note: Note: Note: The weather onthe tops can
beverysevere. Bewell preparedat
all times of the year.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Department of
Conservation, Hawkes BayAreaOffice,
59MarineParade, Napier.
Ph: (06) 8343111 Fax(06) 8344869
email: napier-ao@doc.govt.nz
Department of Conservation,
PalmerstonNorthAreaOffice,
717TremaineAvenue, Palmerston
North
Ph: (06) 3509700Fax(06) 3509701
email: tgilbertson@doc.govt.nz
Rimutaka Forest Park
(Area: 19,670hectares)
Popular recreational park only45minutes
fromWellingtonCity, withwalks and tracks
to suit everyone, including the Rimutaka
InclineWalk, following a historic rail link.
Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve and seal
colonynearbyon the coast. Campground,
barbeque and picnicking withgood
facilities. Choice of five bush huts for easy
overnight trips.
Information: Information: Information: Information: Information: Conservation Information Centre,
Old Government Buildings, LambtonQuay,
Wellington.
Ph: (04) 4727356
email: wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
Taonga
Aotearoas parks and protected areas are
taonga (treasures) of irreplaceable value.
Manycontainfeatures of great historic and
spiritual significance to the Maori people
who have lived here for over a thousand
years. NewZealands first national park,
Tongariro, was gifted to the people of New
Zealand in1887bythe paramount chief of
Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Heuheu Tukino IV.
It was the fourthnational park to be set
aside anywhere inthe world.
World Heritage Areas
Five of NewZealands national parks lie
withintwo of NewZealands World
Heritage sites. World Heritage is a global
concept that identifies natural and cultural
sites of world significance, places so
special that protecting themis of concern
for all people. Westland/Tai Poutini,
Fiordland, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount
Aspiring, are included inTe Whipounamu
- SouthWest NewZealand World Heritage
Area. Tongariro National Park is included
for its natural and cultural values. New
Zealands sub-antarctic islands are also a
World Heritage Area.
NewZealand Parks offer
Anamazing varietyof landscapes, from
mangrove forests in the north to fiords
and glaciers inthe south.
Unique plants and animals, suchas
kauri, pohutukawa and totara, kiwi,
takahe and kea.
Features fromNewZealands Maori and
colonial past.
Year-round recreation, with adventure
and enjoyment for people of all ages.
Coromandel Forest Park
Kaweka Forest Park. Photo: Matt Ward
CapeRodneyto Okakari Point MarineReserve- Hauraki Gulf MarinePark
No countryon
earth can appear
withamore rugged
and barrenaspect
thanthis dothfromthe
seafor as far as the
eye canreachnothing
is to be seenbut the
summits of these
rockymountains
Log of J ames Cook
March1770
Tongariro National Park
What New
Zealand
conservationists
have done is to
demonstrate that
youhave to be
strong, youhave to
be decisive,... you
have to do
something.
Sir David
Attenborough, at the
opening of the Rotoiti
Nature Recovery
Project in1997
Rangitoto Island - Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
MarineReserve- Hauraki Gulf MarinePark
Photo: Peter Thompson
A
Published bythe Department of Conservation
Auckland Conservancy1December 2002.
Revised J une 2003. CrownCopyright.
Images not attributed are fromDOC archives.
Hauraki Gulf
Marione
The whole of this daywe have enjoyed noble
views of the splendid mountain, the monarchof Taranaki
Bishop Selwyn, 1842
Tararua Forest Park
(Area: 116,627hectares)
Withineasyreachof Wellington, Masterton
and PalmerstonNorth. The rugged
forested interior offers a wide varietyof
overnight tramping. Plentyof short walks,
picnic and camping spots near the edges
of the park.
Note: Note: Note: Note: Note: The weather on the tops can be
severe. Be well prepared at all times of the
year.
Information Information Information Information Information:
Conservation
InformationCentre,
Old Government
Buildings, Lambton
Quay, Wellington.
Ph: (04) 4727356
email: wellingtonvc@
doc.govt.nz
Pohutukawa
Aorangi (Haurangi) Forest Park
(Area: 19,373hectares)
Remote forested and scrub-covered
ranges suitable for hunters and
experienced trampers with their own
transport. Spectacular coastline and seal
colonynear Cape Palliser. Coastal camping
and fishing, and several short walks,
including one to anunusual rock formation,
thePutangirua Pinnacles.
Information Information Information Information Information: Conservation Information Centre,
Old Government Buildings, Lambton
Quay,Wellington.
Ph: (04) 4727356
email: wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
TararuaPeaks Ladder,
TararuaForest Park
Whakatane River valley,
Te Urewera National Park
Photo: Matt Ward
Photo: Matt Ward
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