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Kahurangi National Park adventures

Kahurangi National Park Adventures

Kahurangi National Park, located on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, offers diverse landscapes and unique geological features, attracting outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, caving, and wildlife spotting.

1,162,000
Acres Protected
335
Miles of Trails
50,000
Annual Visitors
1996
Year Established

About Kahurangi National Park

Kahurangi National Park
 

Kahurangi National Park is New Zealand's second-largest National Park, covering a vast area of diverse geographical features on the South Island. The park’s unique karst landscapes offer dramatic limestone formations, caves, and sinkholes, making it a haven for geologists and caving enthusiasts. The park is home to the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, which takes hikers through lush forests, along rivers, and across stunning coastal fringes. The ecology of the park is rich and varied, with endemic species such as the Great Spotted Kiwi and the charismatic Powelliphanta snails. The rich biodiversity and remote wilderness appeal to botanists and naturalists alike. Kahurangi was established in 1996 to protect these unique environments. It offers numerous recreational opportunities from short walks to multi-day tramps and provides a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and proximity to nature. The park contains significant cultural and historical sites, including Maori artifacts and abandoned gold-mining relics.

Highlights

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The Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand's designated Great Walks.

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Spectacular karst landscapes, including the Oparara Arches.

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Diverse habitats supporting species like the Great Spotted Kiwi.

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Ancient forests and coastlines accessible via numerous trails.

Notable Natural Features

Heaphy Track

A multi-day hiking trail offering diverse terrains and stunning scenery.

Oparara Basin

Known for its unique limestone formations and beautiful arches.

Mount Owen

Famous for its rugged landscapes and as a filming location in the 'Lord of the Rings' series.