World Heritage Areas More information

New Zealand has three world heritage areas: Tongariro National Care for the environment Park, South-West - Te Wähipounamu, and the Toitu te whenua Exploring subantarctic islands of Antipodes, Auckland, Enderby, • Respect natural and cultural heritage Campbell, Bounty, and Snares. Four National Parks • Care for plants, animals and historic relics lie within Te Wähipounamu: Westland / Tai Poutini, • Keep waterways clean Parks , Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring. • Keep your equipment clean to avoid spreading Tour operators visit the subantarctic islands. weeds and diseases NEW ZEALAND FREE • Take all your rubbish with you • Use toilets provided • Light fires only where permitted • Stay on tracks. Camp carefully • Share the outdoors. Be considerate of others

Sea lions, Auckland Island. DOC Pleurophyllum speciosum, Campbell Island. DOC

Tuatara, Great Barrier Is. Historic heritage Craig Potten

Taonga - Mäori Heritage Visitor Centres Many places within Aotearoa (New Zealand) are considered by DOC visitor centres have a wealth of detailed Mäori as taonga (treasures). They represent the identity, spirit recreation and conservation information and and history of Mäori ancestors. DOC and Mäori work together to friendly, helpful staff. protect these special places. For non-DOC bookings, transport or accommod- Historic places ation contact any i-site information centre. New Zealand’s historic heritage is rich with remains of Mäori Security pä sites, battle sites, historic settlements and Theft from vehicles happens. Don’t make it easy for thieves, museums house treasured relics of past times. remember to lock your vehicle and take valuables with you. Many railway and gold mining heritage sites are Feedback preserved as walking tracks, often with tunnels, Feedback about this brochure is welcome: [email protected] bridges and other evidence of engineering achievement. Websites Department of Conservation www.doc.govt.nz Mountain Safety Council www.mountainsafety.org.nz Historic Places Trust www.historic.org.nz New Zealand Tourism www.newzealand.com Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand - www.teara.govt.nz Published by Department of Conservation, . April 2008 9 4 2 1 0 0 5 1 7 0 0 0 9 > Remains of two miner's cottages, Welshtown, Bendigo, Central . Cover image: Lake Wanaka in evening light. John Greenwood, DOC RS (Rob Suisted: www.naturespics.com) Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project, Meet some of the locals See New Zealand’s wildlife Nelson Lakes National Park Walk among honeydew beech ‘Mainland’ and off-shore island sanctuaries open to the public are New Zealand’s national emblem, kiwi feed at night trees. Get up early to hear the the best places to see New Zealand wildlife. They are intensively rummaging for insects with their long beaks. They dawn chorus. There are walks managed to exclude introduced predator species such as are threatened by introduced predators. Kiwi is near the lake and in the park, rats, stoats and possums. Many native species are threatened, also a common term for New Zealanders. and a DOC campground beside endangered, or vulnerable. Sanctuaries are their safe haven. . Right: Bellbird Walk. DOC Tuatara Tiritiri Matangi Island, near Auckland The last member of an ancient group of reptiles, Tiritiri was once intensively Hurunui Mainland Island, unchanged for 225 million years. farmed but has been replanted Canterbury with native trees and birds This is the largest mainland Hoiho / yellow eyed pengiun reintroduced including tieke island. Birds include kaka, Thought to be the world’s rarest penguin, they can be ( saddleback), karearea, pipiwharauroa (shining found along the south east coast of the . Hoiho pateke (brown teal), kiwi, cuckoo), kea, , means ‘noise shouter’ referring to their shrill call, you can takahe, hihi (stitchbird), kokako, kakariki, and toutouwai. usually hear them before you see them! and toutouwai (North Island Left: South Island robin. DOC Giant weta robin). There is a small visitor Giant weta have remained unchanged for 190 millionon centre and plenty of walks. Wildlife Centres years. You can see them on off-shore islands, and theirthheir Ferries depart Auckland most Pukaha, Mt Bruce National smaller cousins in parks and gardens everywhere. days. Wildlife Centre, Wairarapa Kea Kapiti Island, near Wellington See rare and endangered birds Social and mischievous, these birds have strong beaks. Visit the south or north end in breeding aviaries including Keep an eye on your boots, packs, car mirrors and lunch. of the island, enjoy short or kiwi, kokako, kakarirki and kaka. Seen only in alpine and sub-alpine areas of the South Island. long walks and see many of Wild eels are fed at 1.30pm New Zealand’s rarest birds. and kaka at 3pm every day, An access permit and boat accompanied by a ranger talk. Famous for its feisty and curious personality, this large booking is required. Learn about the conservation flightless bird is often mistaken for kiwi. See weka on Images - top: Takahe on Tiritiri Matangi effort in the education centre and off-shore islands and in most South Island National Parks. Island. DOC enjoy refreshments in the café. Tui Left: Kapiti Is kaka. RS The short walk is accessible for Their melodic song and distinctive flying motion Below: Find out more about unique kauri people of all abilities. of rapid flapping then gliding is heard and seen snails at Trounson Kauri Park. DOC Te Anau Wildlife Centre throughout most parts of New Zealand. Chatty, friendly Bottom: Kokako bonding pair, Boundary tui is also the icon for DOC visitor centres. Stream. DOC Walk from the Fiordland visitor centre to the wildlife centre Takahe Mainland Islands along the lake front. See Thought to be extinct until 1948 when a few birds were takahe, weka, kakariki, tui, kea, Trounson Kauri Park, discovered in Fiordland. You can see takahe on Kapiti and and kaka in breeding avaries. Northland Tiritiri Matangi Islands, and at Te Anau Wildlife Centre. Enjoy the circuit walk in the Kakï (black stilt) visitor hide, Kereru rainforest and listen for birds. , Canterbury Very beautiful birds, seen in forests and suburban gardens. There is a campground and Learn about the kakï recovery For information go to www.kereru.org.nz kiwi may be heard or seen at breeding programme during night. a guided tour of the hide. Kakï Pukeko Boundary Stream, near Napier are highly endangered. Seen all over New Zealand, these iconic wading birds A reserve with plenty of walking Right: Pukaha, Mt Bruce aviary. DOC feed in grasslands. tracks. Endangered species Right: Te Anau Wildlife Centre. DOC New Zealand fur seal include kokako, North Island See them on beaches in many places. Keep your brown kiwi, kereru, kaka and Left: Black stilt pair and eggs Cass River. distance - they bite! karearea (NZ falcon). DOC E

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Maps, photos and facilities

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Conservation Conservation Campsites

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www.doc.govt.nz

brochures.

brochure provides details.

Heaphy Hut, Kahurangi NP. DOC Heaphy Hut, Kahurangi NP.

Huts There are four categories of backcountry hut

defined by the facilities provided in or near them: ‘Great Walk’, ‘Serviced’, ‘Standard’, ‘Basic / Bivvy’. / ‘Serviced’, ‘Standard’, ‘Basic ‘Great Walk’, Some services and facilities operate on a seasonal basis, so plan ahead. Food and seasonal basis, so plan ahead. Food equipment is not available in most parks. The Backcountry Huts

Campsites There are over 200 vehicle accessible campsites in three categories: ‘Serviced’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Basic’. Serviced campsites have the most facilities and Basic have the least. Details in the Conservation Campsites

Fees Fees Park entry is free but there are fees for some Park facilities and services. Campsites fees range from free to $15. For huts, a Backcountry Hut Pass huts, a Backcountry Hut Pass free to $15. For is $90 for 12 months use at most Serviced and Standard huts. Basic huts are free to use. Great Walk Hut Passes are $10 - $45. Hut Passes Walk

Hunting and fishing A hunting permit or fishing licence is required. Hunting permits can be obtained from DOC visitor centres or offices. Fishing permits are available from Fish & Game New Zealand www.fishandgame. org.nz. A separate licence is required for Lake Taupo. org.nz. A separate licence is required for Lake Taupo.

Guided activities Licensed tour operators offer a range of adventure activities such as tramping, walking, fishing, hunting, climbing, ski tours, kayaking / canoeing, mountain biking or skill courses. / kayaking Sharing the outdoors Expect to encounter other groups of people on tracks, in huts

and campgrounds. Some facilities are busy in peak season; the shoulder season is quieter. Please be considerate of others’ the shoulder season is quieter. needs for quiet enjoyment of the outdoors.

buggies and strollers

abilities

area) experience

backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills

and experience, including navigation and survival You must be completely self sufficient You

• Easy walking for up to an hour • Suitable for people of all abilities, wheelchairs, • Walking shoes • Walking

• Easy walking for up to an hour • Suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels • Walking shoes • Walking

• boots or sturdy shoes Walking

• Gentle walking from a few minutes to a day • Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and

• graded and defined for comfortable walking Well • Suitable for people with limited backcountry (remote • Tramping boots required • Tramping

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping • Suitable for people with moderate to high level

• Sturdy tramping boots required • Sturdy tramping boots required • Challenging multi-day tramping • Suitable for people with high level backcountry skills

Hazards Find out about hazards in the area you plan to visit, such as extreme weather, geothermal to visit, such as extreme weather, activity, flooded rivers, avalanche and land slips. activity,

Tracks DOC’s 12,500 kilometres of track are developed differently. Choose a track that suits developed differently. your skills, fitness and the experience you prefer. Be realistic. prefer.

Short Walk Easy Access Short Walk

Walking Track Walking

Overnight tramping (hiking / bush walking) / Overnight tramping (hiking A reasonable level of fitness is needed. You will be walking for at A reasonable level of fitness is needed. You least 4 hours a day carrying all your own food and equipment. Great Walk / Easier Tramping Track Easier Tramping / Great Walk

Tramping Track Tramping

Route

If you get lost stay put. Don’t walk on.

The bush and mountains will

Visiting parks

facilities and conditions at the nearest DOC

aid kit and emergency communication abilities and those of your group equipment. person.

layers and be prepared for all conditions. visitor centre before you set out.

Welcome to New Zealand’s outdoors and the places managed Welcome by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Over 30% of New Zealand’s protected areas are comprised of national, forest, wildlife, marine and historic parks and reserves. The landscapes, vegetation, and activities you can participate in are diverse. This brochure highlights just some of the must see places and

the plants and animals to look for. The DOC website and visitor the plants and animals to look for. centres have more information to help plan a trip. Planning a visit There are over 12,500 km of walking tracks, 950 huts and 250 campsites in all areas of New Zealand to choose from.

When to go Summer (December – March) is best for most outdoor activities. Winter (June – September) is cold and wet in most places. This makes skiing, hot pools and short walks popular. skiing, hot pools and short walks popular.

Weather Weather New Zealand’s maritime climate and southern latitudes mean highly changeable weather; a lovely sunny day can soon change to rain, low cloud, fog or even snow. cloud, fog or even snow. It’s important to check the latest weather conditions before you set out and change

plans if necessary. be there another day. For weather information go to: For be there another day. www.metservice.co.nz or phone 0800 932 843 www.metservice.co.nz Safety is your responsibility Plan, prepare and equip yourself well: high energy food, a survival kit, first • Take • Choose a trip that suits your skills and • Leave your trip intentions with a responsible

• Have warm and waterproof clothing. Dress in • Always check the latest information about Get copies of the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council brochures or go on their training courses.

Kayaks Abel

, ice, avalanches and harsh weather make them suitable only

– all year.

Peak: Peak: 1 October to 30 April

Winter tramping the Kepler, Routeburn and Milford Tracks Winter tramping the Kepler, During the off-peak season (winter) these tracks are subject to severe weather During the off-peak conditions. Snow for very experienced and well equipped trampers. Many facilities and services such as heating and cookers are removed from huts. Some bridges are removed from the because of avalanche. removed from the Milford Track

Seasons Off-peak: Off-peak: 1 May to 30 September Shoulder: spring and autumn

Note: dates may change locally depending on weather and conditions

Bookings Book online at www.doc.govt.nz or Book online at www.doc.govt.nz email Great Walks Booking Office email Great Walks [email protected]

Rakiura Track, Stewart Island , This circuit track follows the coast, climbs a forested ridge and passes the sheltered Paterson passes the sheltered Paterson Inlet. There are historic sites. Look out for kiwi, weka and other native birds. Moderate fitness required. Images - top: North Arm Hut, Rakiura Track Images - top: North Arm Hut, Rakiura Track Best time to go Stewart Is. B Dobbie, DOC. Left: Ourisia flowers, Length: 36 km / 3 days / Length: 36 km Skylark. Right: Flax flowers. Matakitaki Valley. Bookings: not required DOC NP, RS. Bottom: Kayak, Abel Tasman

Milford Track Walk through the heart of the , through through the heart of the Fiordland National Park, Walk beech forest, over MacKinnon Pass and through glacial valleys. beech forest, over MacKinnon Pass Moderate fitness is required. Best from October to April. Length: 53.5 km / 4 days / Length: 53.5 km Hut bookings: required in peak season. Camping not permitted

Tramper on the , Mt Aspiring NP. RS Mt Aspiring NP. on the Routeburn Track, Tramper

Milford Sound and . RS Milford Sound and Mitre Peak.

Heaphy Track Routeburn Track Nikau palms and roaring West Coast seas are a feature of this Nikau palms and roaring West this track offers the Mt Aspiring National Park, Traversing track. The landscape ranges from beautiful tussock downs to lush stunning tramping through dense beech forest, glacial valleys, forest. Moderate fitness and abilities required. Best in summer. past a mountain lake, misty waterfalls and over an alpine pass. Length: 82 km / 4 – 5 days / Length: 82 km Moderate fitness required. Best from October to April. Hut and campsite bookings: required all year 3 days / Length: 32 km Hut and campsite bookings: required in peak season Track Kepler From lake shores to mountain passes and valleys of beech forest,From this track has it all. Enjoy swimming and fishing in Lakes Manapouri or Te Anau. Moderate fitness is required. Best from October to April. or Te Length: 60 km / 3 to 4 days Hut and campsite bookings: required in peak season

Mt Ngauruhoe. RS

Great Walks Great Walks

New Zealand’s nine Great Walks are New Zealand’s nine Great Walks world famous. Here’s why… Lake Waikaremoana Walk through mountain beech forest and Walk dense rainforest. Listen to the calls of native birds, swim or fish in the beautiful lake. See Panekiri Bluff. lake. See Panekiri Length / distance: 46 km / 3 to 4 days / distance: 46 km / Length Hut and campsite bookings: required all year Tongariro Northern Circuit Tongariro The landscape is amazing with unique and stunning landforms. Volcanoes, a glacial valley, emerald lakes and spectacular views a glacial valley, Volcanoes, make this a very popular trip. Best walked from December to March. Moderate to high fitness levels required, and mountaineering experience is essential for winter trips. Length: 49 km / 3 – 4 days / Length: 49 km No bookings taken. Great Walk Hut Pass must be purchased in Hut Pass No bookings taken. Great Walk advance

Whanganui Journey This is a river trip, not a walk. The Whanganui River winds through the heart of to reach the Tasman Sea. to reach the Tasman the heart of Whanganui National Park Beautiful lowland forest surrounds the river. Canoe, kayak, raft or Beautiful lowland forest surrounds the river. motor boat the river at any time of year. It becomes difficult after motor boat the river at any time of year. heavy rain. Length: 145 km / 3 to 5 days / Length: 145 km Hut and campsite bookings: not required Coast Track Abel Tasman An à la carte walk. Walk the whole track or sea-kayak, sail or An à la carte walk. Walk water taxi between different parts at any time of year. The park water taxi between different parts at any time of year. is renowned for its beautiful forests, golden beaches and crystal clear water. clear water. Length: 51 km / 2 to 4 days / Length: 51 km Hut and campsite bookings: required all year Te Urewera National Park North Island / Te Ika a Maui A vast, remote forest rich in Mäori history and legend. There are crystal clear lakes, rivers, short walks and tramping - including the Cape Reinga Waikaremoana Great Walk, hunting, fishing, canoeing and boating. The calm blue Pacific Ocean and green Tasman Sea meet just below the Cape Reinga Lighthouse in a turbulent battle of the Te Urewera NP VC, Aniwaniwa, Ph +64 (0)7 837 3803, email [email protected] waters. Walk to Cape Maria Van Diemen, to the west of Cape Reinga or explore the idyllic white sands of nearby Parengarenga Harbour.

Trounson Kauri Park Track to Pinnacles Hut, Coromandel FP. Opened as Trounson Kauri Park Auckland from Rangitoto Island, RS Robert Hawke in 1921 the park has been a Coromandel Forest Park ‘mainland island’ since 1995. This park has lush forest, stunning beaches, volcanic landforms The particularly lush vegetation and historic mining and milling sites. A popular place in summer is dominated by kauri, taraire, with many things to do: walking, fishing, swimming, camping, kauri grass, kiekie, ferns, and boating and diving. The walk to Pinnacles Hut is very popular. Lake Waikermoana, Panekiri Bluff. RS epiphytes. Kukupa can be seen Kauaeranga VC Ph +64 (0)7 867 9080, email [email protected] by day and, with patience, kiwi by night. Piwakawaka Whirinaki Forest Park New Zealand’s first national park (fantails), poaka (pied tits), ruru Famous for magnificent and now a World Heritage Area, (morepork) and other forest podocarp forest. There are short this alpine park has three active birds are also resident. and long walks, camping, bird volcanoes; Mt Ruapehu, Mt watching, hunting, mountain Bay of Islands Tane Mahuta / Lord of the forest in Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. A biking, and fishing and Historically significant with Northland Forest Park. DOC dramatic landscape of volcanic canoeing on the Whirinaki River. some of New Zealand’s finest Mäori pä sites and oldest buildings. rock, hot springs, alpine herb Explore historic Russell. Discover dolphins and other marine Rangitaiki VC Ph +64 (0)7 366 fields, tussock grasslands, wildlife in one of New Zealand’s finest Maritime Parks. Activities 1080, email rangitaikivc@doc. forest and emerald lakes. include forest and coastal walks, boating, swimming, diving, govt.nz Mountain bikers in Whirinaki Forest Park. DOC Highlights include the Tongariro dolphin watching, big game fishing and camping. Kaweka Forest Park Alpine Crossing and the Bay of Islands / Pewhairangi Regional Visitor Centre (VC), Ph +64 (0)9 403 Alpine shrublands, tussock Northern Circuit. There is good 9005, email [email protected] valleys and beech forests winter skiing and climbing. with pockets of podocarp Tongariro NP VC, Whakapapa feature predominately in this Ph +64 (0)7 892 3729 email backcountry park. Rafting, [email protected] Mt Ruapehu. DOC canoeing, hunting, fishing, hot springs and tramping Mt Egmont / Taranaki dominates are all possible and there are the landscape. Beautiful short campsites and picnic spots and longer walks through lush located at road ends. Kawkea FP, Damien Toman, Flickr forest have mountain streams, Northern scorpionfish, Poor Knights Diver and mosaic moray eel, Ruahine Forest Park waterfalls, and panoramic Marine Reserve. Craig Vernon Poor Knights Marine Reserve. John Major Rugged ranges with tracks views. The mountain is a through forest, valleys, tussock challenging climb for the fit and and mountains. Hunting, river- well prepared. The Pouakai and side camping and fishing are Around the Mountain Circuits popular. For a family tramp try offer good tramping. In winter Sunrise or Rangiwahia Tracks. there is ice climbing and skiing. Hawke’s Bay Regional VC, Napier Egmont NP VC, North Egmont Ph +64 06 834 3111, email Ph +64 (0)6 756 0990, email [email protected] [email protected] Urupukapuka Island, Northland. DOC Ruapekapeka Pä, Northland. DOC (office hours only) McKinnon Hut, Ruahine FP. B Dobbie DOC Mt Egmont / Taranaki, Eltham Sth Taranaki. RS Whanganui National Park The Whanganui River, with its many moods, dominates this park as it travels through N dense native forest, rugged hills and valleys all rich in history. Activities include canoeing, jet boating, hunting and short or long walks through lowland forest. Highlights are the Whanganui River Journey and the Bridge to Nowhere. Wanganui Conservancy, Ph +64 (0)6 349 2100, email wanganuiconservancy@ doc.govt.nz Waterfall in Whanganui National Park. RS

Rimutaka Forest Park A recreational park close to Wellington with walks and tracks to suit all fitness levels. Highlights include the historic Rimutaka Rail Trail and the nearby Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve and seal colony. Excellent mountain biking, Marine Reserves camping and picnicking. Rimutaka Rail Trail tunnel, Rimutaka FP, Wairarapa

Tararua Forest Park Within easy reach of Wellington the rugged interior offers a variety of overnight tramping and there are walks to suit all fitness levels near the edges of the park. The Holdsworth – Jumbo Track is a popular circuit. There are good opportunities for picnicking, riverside camping and fishing. Note: weather on the tops can be severe. Be well prepared at all times of year. Firebrick starfish, Poor Knights MR. Craig Vernon Wellington VC. Ph +64 (0)4 384 7770, email [email protected]

Sea perch, Kapiti Island MR. M P Francis There are marine reserves all around New Zealand, such as Poor Knights and Kapiti. Visit www.doc.govt.nz or a DOC Visitor Centre for more information. Swingbridge at Tararua Forest Park. RS Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park South Island / Te Wähipounamu Wet, lush, spectacular coastal, This World Heritage area is a harsh land of ice and rock with limestone cliffs and canyons, glaciers covering nearly half of the park. There are 19 peaks rising Marlborough Sounds Reserves caves and underground over 3,000 metres including New Zealand’s highest mountain, ‘The sounds’ are unique. The scenery is beautiful. Explore the streams make the park unique. Aoraki / Mt Cook. It’s the place for mountaineering and ski touring. many sheltered inlets, river valleys, coves and islands by boat or See the famous pancake As well, there are plenty of short walks, scenic flights and glacier walking or cycling the Queen rocks, blowholes lake trips, all with spectacular views on a clear day. Charlotte Track (a great ride!). and The Cavern, a great cave Aoraki / Mt Cook NP VC, Ph +64 (0)3 435 1186, email [email protected] Tennyson Inlet is very pretty with for beginners. The Inland Pack its cloak of native forest. There Track (2 – 3 days) dates back to are lots of great campgrounds gold rush days. There are good and good fishing. places to camp and canoe, and Picton VC, Ph +64 (0)3 520 3113, lots of historic sites to visit. Near email [email protected] Head of Queen Charlotte Sound. RS Westport, the seal colony is a must see. Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki, Paparoa Abel Tasman National Park National Park. RS Paparoa NP VC, Punakaiki Renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and steep forested hills. There are tracks to suit all fitness levels Ph +64 (0)3 731 1895 email [email protected] including the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Swim, walk, fish, snorkel, Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand, World Heritage Area sail, kayak or boat. If you don’t have the equipment there are Known to Maori as Te Wai Pounamu — the greenstone adventure tour operators and hire equipment businesses to help. waters. The 2.6 million hectare world heritage area encompasses Westland Tai Poutini, Aoraki / Mt Cook, Aoraki / Mt Cook (3754m) towering behind the Sealy Range. RS Mt Aspiring, Tititea and Fiordland National Park, and Kahurangi has wild rivers, high covers almost 10% of New Zealand. plateau alpine herb fields, and Mount Aspiring National Park coastal forest with nikau palms. Arthur’s Pass National Park Wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys – a Tramping tracks include the In the heart of the Southern Alps / Kä Tiritiri o te Moana this park walker’s paradise and a must for mountaineers. Titipounamu Heaphy Track (Great Walk), straddles the main divide between Canterbury and the West (rifleman), korimako (bellbird), toutouwai (robin), kakariki Wangapeka, Cobb Valley, Coast. It features high mountains with large scree slopes, steep (parakeet), mohua (yellowhead), miromiro (tomtit), piwakawaka Leslie Karamea and Mt Arthur gorges and wide braided rivers. A scenic highway and railway and kereru are common bush birds. Towards evening, native Tableland tracks. It’s also a pass through the middle and opportunities for tramping, climbing, bats and moreporks may be seen and heard. Tramping tracks great place for hunting, fishing, skiing, hunting, short walks and camping abound. include Routeburn (Great Walk), Rees-Dart, Matukituki Valley and Gillespie Pass tracks. caving, rafting and kayaking. Arthur’s Pass NP VC. Ph +64 (0)3 318 9211 Nelson Regional VC email [email protected] Mt Aspiring NP VC, Wanaka. Ph +64 (0)3 443 7660, email Ph +64 (0)3 546 9339 Twin Beach, Heaphy Track, Kahurangi [email protected]. Makarora VC. Ph +64 (0)3 433 8365, email [email protected] National Park. RS email [email protected]

Nelson Lakes National Park Otago Goldfields Park and Central Otago Conservation Areas This park features beech The landscape is full of old forest, craggy mountains, clear mining sites - water wheels, streams and beautiful lakes. stamper batteries, mine shafts, The forest is full of tomtits, Arthur’s Pass National Park. DOC buildings, museums and robins, tuis, bellbirds and South Arrowtown’s reconstructed Westland/Tai Poutini National Park Island kaka. Walking, tramping, settlement. Other features are Extending from the highest Southern Alps peaks to remote mountaineering, hunting, alpine cushion fields, tussock beaches of the wild West Coast this is a wonderful scenic fishing, boating and camping grasslands, and schist rock tors. landscape with World Heritage status. Get your camera ready opportunities abound. Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail. for snow-capped mountains, glaciers and reflective lakes. Visit Nelson Lakes VC, St Arnaud historic gold mining sites, walk along the coast, helicopter over the Queenstown Regional VC. Ph +64 (0)3 521 1806 mountains, or fish for trout and sample whitebait when in season. Ph (0)3 442 7935, email email [email protected] Westland Tai Poutini NP VC, Franz Josef. Ph +64 (0)3 752 0796 [email protected] Beech forest, Nelson Lakes National Park. RS email [email protected] Otago landscape. DOC Fiordland National Park New Zealand’s largest wilderness area has spectacular mountains, icy rivers, deep lakes, virgin rain- forests and tussock grasslands. The Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks offer wonderful views. There are lots of short walks, fiord cruises and guided activites. Fiordland NP VC Ph +64 (0)3 249 7924 email [email protected] The Eyre Mountains / Taka Rä Haka Conservation Park Set in mountainous, rugged country with long, narrow river valleys. A variety of flora and fauna, some unique to Southland, feature throughout the park. Experience this isolated backcountry on foot, 4WD, MTB or horseback along a network of challenging tracks. Catlins Forest Park Walks and tracks lead through a forest and the coastline of cliffs, bays and sea caves, where Ulva Island Open Sanctuary, off Stewart Island penguins, seals and Hector’s dolphins can be seen. The A fabulous place to see rare and park has historic milling sites endangered birds thriving without and petrified forests, as well as predators. There are walking fishing, hunting, camping and tracks, a picnic shelter on the photo opportunities. beach at Sydney Cove, and a century old historic post office at Flagstaff Point. Sea lion, Ulva Island. RS The sunrises and sunsets in soft southern light are amazing. Rakiura National Park occupies most of Stewart Island. Explore pristine beaches, sheltered inlets, and coastal forest. See seals, penguins, kiwi, weka and many other birds. A paradise for trampers and family holidays. Hunting, fishing, boating, cruises and scenic flights are all possibilities. Rakiura NP VC Ph +64 (0)3 219 0002, Te Puke Maui's legendary anchor, email [email protected] Lee Bay, Rakiura. RS Stewart Island robin, Freshwater Flats. DOC