New Zealand's National Parks - South IslandWritten by Seb Jay
New Zealand's South Island is home to no less than ten National Parks, and given extent of wild and rugged landscape it is perhaps a wonder that there are not more. If you ever wanted to experience a natural paradise where mountains, lakes, fjords and beaches are all within a few minutes of each other, New Zealand's South Island is place to visit - it really has it all.Beginning a short distance away from regional airport at Nelson most northerly (and smallest) of ten parks is Abel Tasman National Park. It is a park that combines coastal beauty with spectacular inland scenery and is perfect for a diverse range of activities, from sunbathing and sea kayaking to hiking and mountain biking. Tracking granite and marble rock formations as they interchange with pure golden sands next to a warm transparent sea is an experience not to be missed. Almost adjoining Abel Tasman on its western fringes is much larger Kahurangi National Park. This park takes in Tasman Mountains and land to west of mountain range right down to Tasman Sea coastline. It is a magical and mystical place that is highly prized by Maori, its jagged rock formations attracting hikers and fossil hunters from around globe. At its southern extent beyond Mt Owen is another small park area - Nelson Lakes National Park. Sculpted by glaciers many thousands of years ago Nelson Lakes National Park comprises of a number of mountain ranges and associated valleys, along with two exquisite lakes - Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa. Much of area is forested with honeydew beech trees. Between January and April each year honeydew sap oozes from tree bark filling air with a sweet scent. From a distance forest can be seen to 'glisten' in sun.
| | New Zealand's National Parks - North IslandWritten by Seb Jay
New Zealand is a land of awe-inspiring beauty. Sea, sky and mountain come together in a visual collage that is both breathtaking and humbling - it makes you glad to be alive! Humans have been present in New Zealand for less than a thousand years. The amazing landscapes of this country are therefore relatively untouched by mankind, offering visitors opportunity to commune with nature.New Zealand's natural heritage is preserved for all to see in 14 different national parks across country. On North Island there are four parks, with remaining ten being present on more mountainous South Island. Te Urewera is largest of parks on North Island, and is country's fourth largest park overall. At a height of 3000ft above sea level it straddles Huiarau Range - a northeast-southwest alignment of mountains that runs through heart of North Island. The park protects a vast swath of ancient forest, which is dominated by native trees such as red beech, rata, tawa and rimu. It is a sanctuary for wildlife too, kiwi, blue duck and great New Zealand Falcon (karearea) being resident in mist-shrouded mountains. In south of Te Urewera National Park is Lake Waikaremoana - a beautiful inland lake that resembles a Norwegian Fjord. It was formed more than 2000 years ago and is 800ft deep in places. The lake is now a centre for nature tourism as well as for inland watersports. Travelling on westwards past Lake Taupo we find arguably most exhilarating of all National Parks on North Island - Tongariro National Park. Located roughly in centre of island, Tongariro consists of a series of active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Snow covered for most of winter, volcanoes provide a unique skiing and snowboarding experience during winter months, enthusiasts having to pick their way around steaming vents and geysers. During summer snow recedes to reveal a delightful network of paths offering hikers some exquisite views of park.
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