National Parks - Reserves
June 28, 2008
Fourteen spectacular national parks preserve New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Enshrining a huge variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife, our parks allow you to discover the heart and soul of a country that will never be totally tamed.
From the golden beaches of Abel Tasman to the alpine environment of Arthur’s Pass to the immense Whanganui River, New Zealand’s national parks contain some of our most treasured wilderness areas.
In a marine reserve, all marine life is protected. Nothing can be taken or disturbed.
From your point of view, this level of protection is great for two reasons - there’s more to see, and what you’re seeing isn’t afraid of you.
New Zealand’s first marine reserve was established in 1975 in an area north of Auckland known as Goat Island. It was one of the planet’s first no-take marine reserves. The fish in this reserve have had more than 30 years to get over their fear of humans. Today they play around you like puppies.
New Zealand is a country that prides itself on its 100 % Pure image. Its environmental record has consistently been rated as one of the top 10 countries in the world. Environmental protection is part of New Zealand’s heritage through the principle of Kaitiakitanga or guardianship, with one third of New Zealand’s land protected for conservation.
Every one of our marine reserves, and there are more than 25 of them, preserves an area that is valuable because it’s typical, unique or extremely beautiful. For example, Fiordland’s marine reserves protect the world’s largest black coral trees - some over 300 years old.
One of our most famous marine reserves is the Poor Knights, where subtropical currents, huge caves and archways support an extraordinary range of life. This reserve has been called one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photo: Above Mueller Glacier, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook National Park is a top spot for spectacular alpine scenery. All but one of its 29 peaks is over 3000m, so the park has become New Zealand’s mountain climbing mecca. Non-climbers can enjoy a selection of challenging alpine walks – from the one hour Red Tarns stair-climb to the relatively flat hike to Kea Point. Region: Christchurch - Canterbury
Photographer: David Wall (www.davidWallPhoto.com)
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