A Family Guide to New Zealand's Top -- and Free -- National Parks
New Zealand is famous for its outstanding nature: snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, bubbling mud pools, white-sand beaches and deep, dense forest. While there are natural attractions almost everywhere throughout the country, there are only 13 designated national parks, 10 of which are in the sparsely populated South Island.
From hiking (quaintly called "tramping" in New Zealand) to camping to kayaking, there are many family-friendly activities that can be done in New Zealand's national parks. But, some are more suitable and accessible for some kinds of families than others. Here's our pick of the top seven most suitable for family travelers. And the best part is that, unlike in the US, all New Zealand national parks are free to enter.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park in the central North Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural features and its importance to local Maori people. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a popular day hike that is often touted as the best day hike in New Zealand and among the best in the world. The hike passes through a high volcanic landscape with bright turquoise sulfurous lakes, perfectly conical volcanic peaks and dense native forest. While the hike shouldn't be underestimated -- the changeability of the weather in the mountains can cause conditions to deteriorate rapidly -- it is suitable for older kids with hiking experience. Come prepared with plenty of food, water and clothing. Shuttle bus services to and from the trailheads are available from towns near the park.
Abel Tasman National Park
Travelers looking for a way to experience several national parks during their trip would do well to base themselves in the small city of Nelson, at the top of the South Island, which is close to three exceptional parks.
Abel Tasman National Park is an hour's drive from Nelson. It's New Zealand's most visited park for good reason. The golden sand bays are fringed by native bush, and parts of the sea are classified as marine reserve. There are long, multi-day hiking trails through the park, but family travelers may prefer to head there just for a day or two and enjoy the beaches. Huts within the park need to be booked ahead of time, but you can take your own tent. Kayaking can also be arranged from the villages of Kaiteriteri or Marahau.
Nelson Lakes National Park
The entrance to Nelson Lakes National Park, at St. Arnaud, is about 75 minutes' drive from Nelson. The two lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa, are pristine and ideal places for gentle walks (as well as longer hikes with older kids), swimming, fishing, bird-watching and camping. It's less busy than Abel Tasman, and in the winter, visitors can go skiing at Rainbow Ski Field.
Kahurangi National Park
The third park within reach of Nelson is Kahurangi National Park, about a two hours' drive away. Kahurangi is important ecologically, as it's home to a huge variety of native bird species, around 50% of all of New Zealand's plant species and has the largest cave system in the Southern Hemisphere. The four- to six-day Heaphy Track trek is one of New Zealand's "Great Walks," but there are shorter and easier walks that can be done in a day or less, and better suited to families.
Fiordland National Park
The Fiordland National Park is a huge area in the southwest of the South Island that's best known for its deep ice-carved fiords that rival anything found in Norway. It's part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, along with Westland, Mount Aspiring and Mount Cook national parks. While there are many rugged wilderness experiences to be had throughout Fiordland National Park, it's also an ideal destination for travelers with younger kids who perhaps don't want to go hiking or camping. Head to popular Milford Sound and jump on a sightseeing cruise through the steep-sided fiords. There are spectacular views, no matter the weather (do be prepared for rain, as it rains a lot here). The region is sparsely populated, but the towns of Queenstown, Wanaka or Te Anau are ideal bases. Queenstown is connected by air to other places in New Zealand.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers within Westland Tai Poutini National Park are very fast moving -- about 10 times faster than glaciers in the Swiss Alps. While this won't be visible to the naked eye, of course, kids who are interested in science and nature will enjoy a trip here. Like the Fiordland National Park, this one is a good option for families who aren't seeking challenging hikes. Base yourself in either the villages of Franz Josef or Fox Glacier -- while you could visit both glaciers, it's not really necessary. Take a guided walk on the ice, or a helicopter tour if you're on a more generous budget.
Rakiura National Park
Rakiura National Park comprises around 85% of Stewart Island (whose Maori name is Rakiura), 15 miles off the southern coast of the South Island and separated by the Foveaux Strait. Foreign visitors don't usually make it this far south, meaning it's a great place to head for a chilled-out natural experience. The sea is cold down here, but there are lovely near-deserted beaches and an abundance of bird life, including penguins and kiwis, as well as seals. There's a passenger ferry (no cars) between Bluff/Invercargill and Oban, which takes about an hour. The town of Oban is small and friendly, and a good base for visitors.
Bottom Line
Try to see as many of New Zealand's national parks as you can. The sights are varied and you can't beat free admission for your entire family. If you don't plan to rent a car during your trip, learn how to travel New Zealand by rail with your kids.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.