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Once upon a time in New Zealand, the Maori chiefs of the Tuwharetoa tribe gifted their volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe in the central North Island which are now the country’s first and the world’s fourth national park (Tongariro National Park) to all the people of New Zealand. New Zealand is now recognized to be a natural country with 30 per cent of its land area as protected areas of irreplaceable value.

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Mt Ruapehu Crater climb

Tongariro Alpine

Crossing

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Ohakune area tramping tracks

Okupata Caves

Whakapapa Nature Walk

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A 6-8 hr track of 18.5 km which provides a wonderful hut a the top of a mountain. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track passes over varied and spectacular volcanic terrain. A cold mountain spring, lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-colored lakes and magnificent views combine to make this an enjoyable and memorable trip.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit circles around Ngauruhoe's cone with chances to climb either Ngauruhoe or Tongariro. The entire circuit takes 3-4 days, however the first day follows the famous Tongariro Crossing - the "best one day hike in New Zealand" - so it can be shortened to one day. There are 4 huts along the hike each with an adjacent campsite for 5-8 tents.

A 5-7hr of crater climbing. Mt. Ruapehu is an exciting mountain and an active volcano. One of the highlights is a climb to the Ruapehu Crater from where you can gaze down into the lake filled crater which is slowly refilling following the eruptions of 1995 and 1996. The views during the climb and from the top are spectacular on a fine day.

A 5hr walk starting from whether 7km or 15km of the DOC Visitor Centre. Those tracks will offer you beautiful sceneries of cascade, waterfalls and a look on the Lake Surprise.

A network of caves and passages beneath the Tongariro Forest. Go with a guide as it's easy to get lost and the water level in the caves can rise rapidly in wet weather.

Beginning 250 m above Whakapapa Visitor Centre, this sealed loop track provides wheelchair access for a glimpse of the unique flora of Tongariro National Park. A series of  on-site information panels explain the various zones of vegetation in the park.  Time: 15 minutes

The closest centers of Tongariro National Park are Taupo, Turangi , and Ohakune.   All the roads around the park lead to key entry points – meaning the park is highly accessible from all directions.Regular bus and shuttle services run to and from the park – especially the start and end points of the popular Tongariro Crossing. Accommodation is available at Ohakune, Whakapapa Village and Turangi.

Whakapapa Visitor CentrePrivate BagMount Ruapehu 2650New ZealandPh: +64 7 892 3729Fax: +64 7 892 3814

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Situated in the stunning Tasman Bay region at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand's most popular national parks, a unique coastal playground of immense beauty. Nestled between Marahau (to the south) and Totaranui (at the northern end). These small settlements are the entrance and exit points to the park, and can be reached from either Motueka or Takaka which is in the Golden Bay region.

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Walks: Choose a walking option to suit you: -Cruise and walk with itineraries from 3 - 9 hours. -Overnight guided or unguided walksAll inclusive holidays, staying in comfortable Beachfront Lodges. The most popular one is the coastal walk. You can also choose to pay for the cruise service and they are going to bring you in some particular place and can walk back from there.

Boats cruise: You have the possibility to choose wheter a cruise&walk option or a boat trip. The boat hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic, golden beaches. Your skipper provides full commentary with interesting anecdotes about natural and cultural history of the area. -3 hour Water Taxi tour:From Kaiteriteri or Marahau to Totaranui and return. This cruise allows you to see the most scenic section of the Abel Tasman National Park quickly. The fur seal colony is a highlight. It is ideal for people with only one day in the region, who wish to visit other attractions. -Vista Half Day Cruise: From Kaiteriteri or Marahau to Totaranui and return (Approximately 5.5 hours) Cruise close into protected southern bays and view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. Then the scenery changes; Onetahuti marks the beginning of the northern beaches- large sweeps of golden sand separated by picturesque bush headlands.

Kayaking: Split Apple Paddle Half Day Sea Kayak: Ideal for first-time paddlers or those short of time. Beaches and Bays Sea Kayaking: is a fully guided trip with four hours paddling in the heart of Abel Tasman NationalPark. Here you will explore the most scenic kayaking area - Anchorage to Bark Bay. See seals and birds, explore protected bays, enjoy golden sand beaches. Kayak Seals and Walk DayTrip: for a taste of everything the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer. Kayaking, walking and boat cruising. Budget Kayak and Walk: is the most economical way to enjoy a taste of kayaking, walking and boating. 2 Day Kayak Trip: A great introduction to kayaking the Abel Tasman in comfort. 3 Day Kayak & Walk Trip: Two days kayaking the protected southern coastline and one day walking the lush Abel Tasman Coast Track. 5 Day Kayak & Walk Trip: The ultimate adventure: two days kayaking, one day walking and 2 days relaxing at our beachfront lodges.

Tasman Sky Adventure: Take to the Sky either Hang-gliding or in a Micolight for one of the best ways to see the Abel Tasman National Park.

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Motueka A popular stop over area for many travellers making it a bustling place and the main town in the area. The inhabitants are very cosmopolitan. Motueka's seemingly endless main street has an interesting array of eateries, cafes (including internet), and bars. As you would expect from a larger town there is a good selection of shops and of course a full range of services including doctors, dentists, chemists and supermarkets. Take some time out to explore the local and unique art galleries of the region. Just fifteen minutes from the Abel Tasman National Park.

Mapua, Ruby Bay, and the MoutereFollow either the coastal highway from Nelson to Mapua which has some great cafes on the wharf and lots of cute artsy boutiques and galleries. Rabbitt Island is just down the road if you want to do the picnic thing and stretch your legs on a nice sandy beach. Take the inland route for more of the local arts scene and enjoy the peacefullness of rural landscape you'll drive through. Both routes will take you past anyone of the numerous wineries that call this area home. Don't pass up the chance to taste some of the nicest wines in New Zealand.

KaiteriteriOne of the most popular holiday destinations in the region for New Zealanders, 13km from Motueka. The beach has picture-postcard perfect golden sand and crystal clear green waters. Which make it an excellent, safe all day swimming spot enjoyed especially by families. It is a departing point for water transport into the Abel Tasman National Park. Little Kaiteriteri and Breakers Bay are two smaller beaches equally as beautiful and just 5 minutes walk from the main

Kaiteriteri Beach. Well worth the walk!

Marahau - The Abel Tasman VillageThe gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Relax and enjoy this unspoilt, hassle free, peaceful village. A place to unwind either before or after you head into the park. Save some time to explore Arts Unique, where a small community of artists pride themselves on work, which is handmade on the premises or nearby. Marahau is also the starting point for many of the sea based activities including sea kayaking and water taxis. There are also regular bus connections to and from Marahau. Located just fifteen minutes drive from Motueka over the Marahau hill

Mount Aspiring National Park has got one of New Zealand's highest peaks, this park is a dreamland of

mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. In the past, Maori

trekked through the region on their way to the pounamu fields of the west coast; Europeans visited to

map, name and explore geographical features of the area; settlers

attempted to farm and mine some of the valleys - the relics have blended

into the stunning scenery. For wilderness lovers, the park offers

an extensive choice of valley journeys - including the Routeburn Track. In summer, it's possible to

walk from one valley to another over spectacular mountain passes.

Activities in Mount Aspiring National Park

Valley Walks and mountain trails:

Summer is the best time to walk the 3-day Routeburn Track, which runs between Lake Wakatipu and the Te

Anau-Milford Road. The Rees-Dart track, a 5-day tramping circuit, follows the Rees River and the Dart

River through the southern end of the park. From Wanaka, popular short walks include the Aspiring Hut walk (1 ½ hours) and the Rob Roy track (1 ½ hours).

Good short and long walks can also be accessed from

Makarora.

JetboatingSome of the park's larger rivers (the Dart and the

Wilkin in particular) are navigable by jet boat. Often jet boat trips are combined with a valley walk, to

create a well-rounded adventure.

Mountaineering and heli-skiingThe park provides mountaineers with a wide choice of ascents - from Mt Awful to Mt

Aspiring. Local guiding companies provide instruction for would-be mountaineers. Exceptional heli-skiing can be found on the Northern Buchanans and Albertburn.

In the parkThe only source of

accommodation within the park is provided by the Department

of Conservation. There are numerous hikers' huts along

the major walks, including two 'Great Walk' huts on the

Routeburn Track. Many of the tracks also have established camping areas. Huts need to be booked during the summer

high season.

Around the parkThe settlements of Makarora, Haast and Glenorchy act as

gateways to the park. Makarora has B & Bs,

cottages, chalets, farmstays and camp sites.

Accommodation in Haast and Glenorchy includes motels,

hotels and lodges.

Where to stay

Hut, Matukituki Valley Track

View from Key Summit, Routeburn Track, Mount

Aspiring National Park

Many people think of New Zealand as two islands, when it is actually three. Subantarctic Stewart Island, which lies 30 kilometres south of the South Island, has

a land area of nearly 2000 square kilometres, and 85% of it is included within the boundaries of Rakiura National Park.

The most recent addition to New Zealand's national park portfolio, Rakiura is an enchanted world of unmodified ecosystems and habitats. From dense coastal rainforests and freshwater wetlands to vast sand dunes and granite mountain ranges, the park provides an exceptional opportunity to see native wildlife and

primeval landscapes

Activities at Rakiura National ParkShort and long walks: With only 25km of roads, Stewart Island is a paradise for hikers. There are 245 kilometres of walking tracks, and they can all be accessed from the town of Oban. The 'Great Walk' on the island is the Rakiura Track, a circuit that takes three days to complete. For day-trippers, there's a range of short walks to enjoy - Fern Gully (2 hours return), (Ryan's Creek 3 hours return), Horseshoe Point (3 hours return) and Moturau Moana (1 hour return), to name just a few.

Island sanctuary and kiwi spotting:A water taxi can take you to Ulva Island, an open sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation. Its restored forest and lack of predators make it a safe environment for

many rare bird and plant species. Two of three times a week, guided trips to Masons Bay provide the chance to watch

kiwis eating sandhoppers at the beach.

Stewart Island Helicopter Adventures:From our main heliport at Bluff, the team at Stewart Island Helicopters can have you to Stewart Island in just 10 minutes.  This thrilling island hoping option allows you to travel in comfort and style, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery in the way

In the parkThe Department of Conservation

provides more than 25 hikers' huts within the park, including a few 'Great

Walk' huts that offer a higher-than-usual standard of accommodation. In the

island's only town, Oban, there is motel, hotel, B & B and lodge accommodation.

Around the parkRakiura National Park is a one-hour ferry ride away from the South Island

town of Bluff, where a full range of accommodation can be found. The

nearest city is Invercargill, a 20 minute drive from Bluff.