National parks of New Zealand
The national parks of New Zealand are protected natural areas administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC). The first national parks established in the country were all focused on mountain scenery. Since the 1980s the focus has been on developing a more diverse representation of New Zealand landscapes. The parks are all culturally significant and many also contain historic features. Tongariro National Park is one of the World Heritage Sites that are of both cultural and natural significance, while four of the South Island national parks form Te Wahipounamu, another World Heritage Site. There are currently 13 national parks; a 14th, Te Urewera National Park, was disestablished in 2014.
DOC information board in Abel Tasman National Park
Mount Tongariro in winter, Tongariro National Park
Satellite photo of Egmont National Park (the forested area)
Tourist attraction Milford Sound, the most famous of the fiords in Fiordland National Park
Department of Conservation (New Zealand)
The Department of Conservation is the public service department of New Zealand charged with the conservation of New Zealand's natural and historical heritage.
DOC signs of this format are commonly seen around New Zealand conservation areas.
DOC operates much of the backcountry tourist infrastructure of the country, such as this overnight hut on the Rakiura Track.
