New Zealand: World Heritage, museums and trails

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and holds dual World Heritage status. This also recognises the park’s significant cultural and spiritual connections to Māori. Those looking to bring nature and cultural heritage together will find a distinctive starting point here for discovering New Zealand through specific places and experiences.

Landscapes from ice and rock to the coast

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged landscape of ice and rock, with 19 peaks rising above 3,000 metres. The Tasman Lake and River Track offers a different perspective on a glacial landscape: this short walking track opens up views of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Conditions on the track can vary.

In Fiordland National Park, ice-carved fjords, lakes and valleys shape the landscape. Milford Sound/Piopiotahi lies in the northwest of the park. The Milford Road runs from Te Anau to Milford Sound and is considered one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives; road conditions can change. The Piopiotahi Marine Reserve lies along Milford Sound and can be explored by diving. Conditions and access may vary.

The Abel Tasman Coast Track features a different kind of landscape: a mild climate, golden beaches and lush native bush along the coast. The entire track can be walked in either direction. Travellers can use water taxis or kayaks to get between different locations. Check the availability and schedules of operators when planning your trip.

Choose trails by duration and character

Some of the trails described differ considerably in duration. The Tasman Lake and River Track is a short walk, while the Tama Lakes Track is a day hike with views of Lower Tama Lake, Taranaki Falls, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. These details help distinguish a short walk from a full day of hiking when planning your activities.

At the Soda Springs Walk, cold springs offer a seasonal nature experience: in summer, they create a small floral oasis, with blooms varying by season. The Ball Pass Crossing is a much longer and more demanding option. This alpine route crosses the Mount Cook Range between Hooker Valley and Tasman Valley and takes two to three days. Alpine conditions vary by season. The contrast between a short walk, a day hike and a multi-day alpine route makes the time required a practical consideration when planning your trip.

Cultural history and collections

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds were New Zealand’s first national monument. The country’s founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed there in 1840. The site thus combines a clearly dated historical connection with its significance as a national monument.

Te Papa houses more than two million objects relating to art, natural history, New Zealand history, mātauranga Māori and the cultures of the Pacific region. The museum manages New Zealand’s national collection. Those who would also like to explore the collections online can find information on more than 1,000,000 artworks, objects and specimens from the collections through Te Papa’s Collections Online. As of 8 September 2026, visiting hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, except Christmas Day. Check the hours before your visit.

More experiences and different highlights

Rotorua is shaped by geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, ancient forests and pristine lakes. The Whanganui Journey, by contrast, centres on a 145 km canoe trip on the Whanganui River in the central part of the North Island. Many companies offer guided paddling trips; check availability and the season in advance. When planning, this helps you decide whether you are more interested in a destination for its landscapes and culture or for a specific river journey.

In Fiordland, ice-carved fjords, lakes and valleys define the landscape; along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, the highlights are golden beaches and coastal bush. Your itinerary should also take into account whether you plan to do a short walk, a day hike, a multi-day alpine route or a canoe trip. Decide on these priorities before choosing your hotels in New Zealand.

Discover more destinations: Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Waikato, Bay Of Plenty, Auckland, Northland, West Coast, Tasman, Nelson, Gisborne, Napier City.

For the broader travel overview: Oceania.