New Zealand Parks, Gardens and Reserves Highlights

Beautiful places and created spaces let you enjoy nature, culture or the fruits of somebody else's obsession. New Zealand's gardeners and conservationists are famous for their energy and perfectionism. Pack a picnic lunch or a snorkel, depending on whether the reserve you're visiting is above ground or below the waves.

Waitakere Ranges - Auckland

Parks, walks and hikes in every direction, there are 22 conservation parks within easy reach of downtown Auckland.

Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park - Bay of Plenty

To visit the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is to walk through a living museum of ancient and recent history.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens - Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens - undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.

Waioeka Scenic Reserve - Eastland

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Waioeka Scenic Reserve. Swimming, fishing and walks are all options.

Health, Herbs and Honey Tour - Manawatu

Enjoy a Health Herbs and Honey tour in the Manawatu/Rangitikei region.

Kimbolton-Cross Hills Gardens - Manawatu

Pukemarama is a classic example of the formal English Gardens.

Ruahine Forest Park - Manawatu

Ruahine Range, one of a number of small mountain ranges forming the spine of the North Island.

Marlborough's Gardens - Marlborough

Marlborough's gardens are talked about all over New Zealand and the world.

Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve - Marlborough

Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is a quaint little spot of paradise with some of the most accessible examples of mature native forest in the Marlborough region.

Waipoua Kauri Forest - Northland

A spectacular walking track takes visitors to New Zealand's largest kauri tree - Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest).

Queens Park - Southland

Queens Park Invercargill houses a variety of activities and attractions.

New Plymouth- Pukekura Park - Taranaki

In the centre of New Plymouth is Pukekura Park - a botanical wonder that was first opened in 1876.

Tupare Garden - Taranaki

On the boundary of New Plymouth is Tupare, one of New Zealand's most beautiful and distinctive gardens.

Hamilton Gardens - Waikato

The Hamilton Gardens have been developed around a concept based on the relationship between people and gardens, or 'The story of gardens'.

Pirongia Forest Park - Waikato

Pirongia Forest Park includes three extinct volcanos, is densely forested and has an interesting plant and bird life.

Gardens - Grand Historic Homesteads - Wairarapa

Wander spacious landscaped grounds of grand historical homesteads or enjoy unstructured prettiness in country cottage gardens.

Rimutaka Forest Park - Wairarapa

Explore the Wairarapa's three Forest Parks (Rimutaka, Tararua and Aorangi) and Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.

Ohorere Historic Walks - Wanganui

Enjoy the Ohorere and Bason Botanic Gardens, set on the banks of the mighty Whanganui River.

Wellington Botanic Gardens - Wellington

Visit the Wellington Botanic Gardens for great views over Wellington harbour and city.