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introduction
 Welcome to this guide to National Parks compiled by
New Zealand’s Information Network as a means of introducing
you to our top natural attractions. We will provide an overview
of the character, striking features and wildlife of each park,
and will outline the major walking and tramping tracks.
New Zealand is renowned for its incredible diversity of scenery
and landforms. The North Island is endowed with golden beaches,
vast forests and active volcanoes. The South Island crams
glaciers, mountains, lakes and fiords into a compact area, and
Stewart Island is virtually untouched by man.
 Our wilderness areas are so pristine and
expansive that one half of New Zealand is protected in the form
of conservation parks and reserves. This includes 14 National
Parks, which are preserved in perpetuity in their natural state
because of the outstanding quality of their physical features and
ecological systems.
The National Parks are regarded as vital ecological islands in an
expanding human world. They are a glimpse of what the world once
was. Half of them are located in high alpine regions,
characterised by harsh landscapes of ice, rock, grinding glaciers
and deep alpine lakes. Two parks are centred on volcanic cones in
the North Island, one dormant and the other highly active and
unpredictable. Five are in classic New Zealand wilderness areas -
vast forested ranges intersected by tramping tracks, wild rivers,
steep gorges and beautiful valleys. Two parks embrace picture
perfect lakes and rivers and one is in a coastal setting of
golden sand beaches, sculptured cliffs and intimate coves.
 National Parks are administered by the
Department of Conservation (DOC) which has a headquarters office
and visitor centre at every park. The parks are just a few hours
drive from our major cities and all have public transport links.
The New Zealand National Parks contain some of the most beautiful
places on earth, and provide opportunities for adventure and
enjoyment that will appeal to people of all ages. The
comprehensive system of tracks, huts and campsites, means that
walking in our parks is a wonderful way to experience the Kiwi
outdoor life.
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