By region
Map of New Zealand.
NorthlandAucklandCoromandelWaikatoBay of PlentyEast CoastCentral North IslandTaranakiManawatu/WhanganuiHawke’s BayWairarapaWellington/KapitiChatham IslandsNelson/TasmanMarlboroughWest CoastCanterburyOtagoFiordlandSouthland
Northland.
Auckland.
Coromandel.
Waikato.
Bay of Plenty.
East Coast.
Central North Island.
Taranaki.
Manawatu/Whanganui.
Hawke’s Bay.
Wairarapa.
Wellington/Kapiti.
Chatham Islands.
Nelson/Tasman.
Marlborough.
West Coast.
Canterbury.
Otago.
Fiordland.
Southland.

Northland

Mangrove tree, Tapotupotu Bay, Te Paki, Northland. Photo: C.Rudge.

Extending from the Kaipara Harbour in the south to the Three Kings Islands in the north, this region is home to kauri forests containing the famous Tane Mahuta, offshore islands sheltering species lost from the mainland and marine reserves including Poor Knights Islands.

Auckland

Rangitoto at sunset. Photo copyright: Ketzal Sterling (DOC USE ONLY).

Auckland has precious island sanctuaries, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, marine reserves, important historic sites, a host of exciting community restoration projects, popular walks and recreation wilderness on Great Barrier Island.

Coromandel

Beach, Whangapoua Harbour, Coromandel Peninsula. Photo: Sietse Bouma.

Get information about the Coromandel region.

Waikato

Maori midden, Aotea Reserve. Photo: C Rudge.

This region encompasses 270,000 hectares of public conservation land in the King Country and Waikato regions. Features include three forest parks, three internationally significant wetlands and the Waitomo cave and karst landscape.

Bay of Plenty

Mount Tarawera and Lake Tarawera, Rotorua. Photo: C Rudge.

DOC administers around 178,000 hectares of public conservation land in the Bay of Plenty, including 2 forest parks, 13 major lakes, 2 marine reserves, offshore islands and a variety of geothermal areas and scenic reserves.

East Coast

Waterfall, Mangakawa Stream, Morere Scenic Reserve. Photo: Jamie Quirk.

The region is enormously varied in terms of topography, climate, vegetation and wildlife. Te Urewera National Park and Raukumara Conservation Park are here along with a marine reserve and strong examples of New Zealand's natural and historic heritage.

Central North Island

Mount Ruapehu and cloud. Photo: Ketzal Sterling.

Noted for its volcanic and geothermal activity and recreational opportunities, the Central North Island region includes Tongariro National Park and Kaimanawa Forest Park.

Taranaki

Mount Taranaki, Egmont National Park. Photo: John Spence.

The Taranaki region is dominated by the legendary mountain - Mount Taranaki. It also boasts a superb coastline, with Parininihi and Tapuae Marine Reserves, and the Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area.

Manawatu/Whanganui

Sunrise over Okoia hamlet, Wanganui. Photo: Astrid van Meeuwen-Dijkgraaf.

The Manawatu/Whanganui region extends from the Patea River to Forest Lakes just north of Otaki, inland to Woodville and up to just north of Taumarunui. It features includes the Whanganui National Park and the western side of the Ruahine Forest Park.

Hawke’s Bay

Australasian gannets, saddle colony, Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay. Photo: Catherine Tudhope.

Much of Hawke’s Bay is protected by forest, wildlife, marine and historic parks and reserves. The largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world is here, as is Te Angiangi Marine Reserve and Boundary Stream Mainland Island.

Wairarapa

Lighthouse, Castlepoint, Wairarapa. Photo: Lindsey MacFarlane.

The Wairarapa is home to the Mount Bruce/Pukaha Wildlife Centre, Aorangi, Rimutaka and Tararua forest parks, Lake Wairarapa wetlands, Castlepoint, Putangirua Pinnacles and several other scenic reserves.

Wellington/Kapiti

Matiu somes Island and Tararua Range from Massey Memorial above Point Halswell. Wellington. Photo: Jeremy Rolfe.

This area contains diverse landforms, indigenous plants and wildlife, and an extensive varied coastline. It has three forest parks and 400 reserves, protecting wetlands, wildlife, forest remnants, coastal, marine and historic sites.

Chatham Islands

Ice plant in flower, South East Island, Chatham Islands. Photo: Andy Cox.

The Chatham Islands are located 860 kilometres east of Christchurch. The last Pacific islands to be settled, the Chathams feature many significant archaeological and historic sites. Rangatira and Mangere islands are important sanctuaries for threatened species.

Nelson/Tasman

Rock formation, Anapai Bay, Abel Tasman National Park. Photo: Garry Holz.

In the Nelson/Tasman region DOC looks after a wide range of national parks, recreation reserves and marine reserves and providing a full range of recreational opportunities.

Marlborough

Boat on the beach, Blumine Island, Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sound. Photo: Danica Devery-Smith.

The Marlborough region is beautiful and diverse. It includes Molesworth Station - New Zealand's largest farm, the steep native forest-covered mountain country of Mount Richmond Forest Park and the scenic blend of bush-clad hills and tranquil bays of the Marlborough Sounds.

West Coast

Lake Wahapo with Mount Adams in the background, Westland. Photo: Philippe Gerbeaux.

The West Coast Tai Poutini region has a remarkable collection of natural features including rainforests, glaciers, wetlands and an ocean habitat that is home to the world's stronghold population of Hector's dolphin.

Canterbury

Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Cook National Park. Photo: S O'Dea.

Canterbury has two national parks, five conservation parks, a marine reserve and a marine mammal sanctuary.

Otago

Fog at Lindis Pass, Central Otago.

Otago’s colours are blue and gold; reflecting its coastal boundary and inland lakes, and the tawny tussock rolling across the interior. Among and beyond – scenery, wildlife and plants that take ages to describe and seconds to appreciate … if you go there!

Fiordland

Mitre Peak, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park. Photo: Les Molloy.

Get information about the Fiordland region.

Southland

Sawyers Beach at dusk, Rakiura Track, Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island. Photo: Greg Lind.

The Southland region is home to some of New Zealand’s most endangered native birds, the country’s newest national park and the most diverse and magnificent areas of native forest, wetlands and indigenous grasslands.