The marine environment in the Whangarei Harbour is of distinctive quality, and two marine areas are set aside for protection around Motukaroro (Passage) Island and at Waikaraka.
Visit Motukiore Island in the Whangarei Harbour and explore its fascinating Maori and European history.
A 2-km walk leads you to Waipu Caves. Once in the limestone caves you’ll find stalagtites, stalagmites and glow worms near the entrance.
Follow a 200-m track across the Ahuroa River and on to the picturesque Piroa Falls. The river has many suitable swimming holes along the track, making it a fun family walk.
This 5-km Mangawhai Track traverses across beaches, cliff tops, farmlands and bush areas. You may be able to enjoy views of Bream Head all the way down to the Hauraki Gulf.
Just a 15-minute drive north of Kaitaia, Lake Ngatu is a freshwater dune lake and recreation reserve. The lake is popular with water sport enthusiasts and other day visitors.
This 22-km tramping track offers the back country adventurer a great tramping experience in one of Northland’s wilderness area.
The area provides easy access to great walking tracks and picnic areas. Other recreation opportunities range from enjoying the stunning views, bird watching and tramping to swimming, diving, fishing and surfing the waves.
This very short track takes you to a long, white sandy beach on Northland's Karikari peninsula.
This short kauri forest walk provides an easy opportunity to enjoy the unique kauri forest environment.
Bird watching, walking, photography and water sports are all popular activities on the Pouto Peninsula.
Motukawanui Island off the coast of Northland is predator-free and home to a flourishing population of native birds. There are opportunities for snorkelling and swimming and you can stay overnight in a hut.
The short Manginangina Kauri Walk follows a boardwalk that winds through a mature stand of kauri and swamp forest. It’s a track that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The archaeological walk on Urupukapuka Island is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels. It's a great place to learn about the area’s Maori history.
The Kermadec Islands Nature Reserve, located some 1000km northeast of New Zealand, is the most remost area managed by the Department of Conservation and can only be visited with a special permit.
Be sure to spend time at the visitor centre before venturing out on one of the many bush or coastal walks. You’ll also want to visit the island’s historic lighthouse and pa sites.
Come to Moturoa Island for a picnic, or you can camp for the night at this predator-free Auckland reserve. Young kiwi are raised here until they can defend themselves.
On a day visit to Rakitu you might choose to snorkel, dive or take a leisurely walk. Several historic sites, including three pa are found on the island.
The Mokohinau Islands provide a dramatic backdrop for boating. The waters are excellent for diving and snorkelling. On Burgess Island you can visit the lighthouse and the remains of World War II military installations.
On Great Barrier Island you can take a soak in thermal springs, tramp through coastal forests or snorkel in an isolated cove. Boating, kayaking and fishing are other popular activities on the island.
People are welcome to visit the Te Matuku Marine Reserve to picnic, swim, snorkel, dive, take photos, kayak and watch birds.
Motukorea has long been a popular picnic destination for Aucklanders. You may want to kayak, walk and bird watch while you’re here. There are no visitor facilities on the island.
When you visit Motutapu, make sure you take a walk along the Motutapu Walkway and visit the many archaeological and WWI military sites on the island. Swimming, camping and picnicing are all popular activities here.
Access to Motuihe Recreation Reserve is by private boat or water taxi. Once there you’ll enjoy camping, swimming, walks, visiting historic sites and bird watching.
Find out about visiting wetlands in the Waikato.
Rangitaiki Conservation Area is the only remaining representative of frostflat vegetation which once covered the Kaingaroa Plateau.
Rotopounamu/Greenstone Lake nestles on the side of Mt Pihanga. This beautiful lake is a special favourite of tree lovers, birdwatchers, walkers and swimmers.
Enjoy the walking tracks within 15-20 minutes driving time of Turangi.
Popular recreational activities in Kaimanawa Forest Park include hunting, tramping, fishing, rafting and picnicking. Mountain biking is permitted only on formed roads and on the Tree Trunk Gorge Track.
The diversity and number of wading and shore birds that visit the Manawatu Estuary make it one of the best bird watching spots in the country.
Bird watching and gamebird hunting are activities available in the Pukepuke Lagoon Conservation Area. Make sure you apply for the necessary permits.
Walking, exploring, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, general boating and sightseeing are all popular activities in the reserve.
A walk through Te Urewera Mainland Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to view and experience a true and real New Zealand
This estuary supports an interdependent community of wading birds, fish, mud dwellers and aquatic plant life.
Take an enjoyable scenic walk or trip along the remote coastline and get a close up view of nesting gannets. The towering cliffs expose the many rock types and fault lines which underlie Hawke's Bay.
This 30 minute loop walks takes you through a flooded forest remnant in the Wairarapa.
Explore the islands's historic sites and visit the woolshed museum. Follow walking tracks to the historic lighthouse site, the "concrete gannets" and enjoy the dramatic views.
After an introductory talk on the flora, fauna, and human history of the island, visitors can explore the island's tracks, studying the many rare birds and the historic artefacts.
Divers and snorkellers can get amongst the sea life and there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching and other wildlife pursuits for walkers, boaties and kayakers.
Papaitonga is a dune lake in Horowhenua. The scenic reserve is an important sanctuary for recovering wetlands birds.
Bird watching, whitebaiting, walking and picnicking are among the activities you can enjoy at Waikanae Estuary and Paraparaumu Beach.
Pauatahanui Inlet is largest relatively unmodified estuarine area in the southern North Island. It has viewing hides, tracks, a visitor centre and a picnic area.
You can see conservation in action at the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre in the Northern Wairarapa. Tuatara, kokako, kiwi and takahe are all permanent residents here.
Lake Wairarapa has extensive wetlands where fishing and birdwatching are popular activities.
Walks on Matiu/Somes offer excellent bird-watching opportunities as well as the chance to study other plants and animals enjoying the pest-free environment. You can also delve into the island's fascinating history.
Find out things you can do in the Mt Fyffe and Seaward Kaikoura Range area.
The Wakamarina Track, an old goldminers' trail, crosses the Richmond Range from the Wairau Valley to the Wakamarina Valley.
Murchison is the gateway to the southern entrance to Kahurangi National Park. Find out about the short day walks accessible from Murchison.
Beautiful native forest and gold-mining relics are the main attractions of the Kaituna Valley. To walk the whole track takes 8-9 hours, or there are shorter walks from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
This 10 minute walk begins beside one lake and heads gently down to the other.
Walk through the forest with a mixture of podocarp, broadleaf and beech trees, and explore the river terraces left by the Pelorus River over thousands of years.
Retracing an old gold-mining water race, this track passes through forest of young beech and rimu to mature podocarps.
You can take guided nature tours and horse treks on the spit. Learn about the area’s walks and the historic and natural features to look out for along the way.
Walkers share the track and its campsites with mountain bikers, boaties and fishers.
Looking for a short walk near Nelson or Motueka? Here are some walking tracks you might like to try.
Eastern Marlborough is an area of rugged mountains and an equally rugged coastline. Find out about the recreational opportunities available in the area.
On this flat loop track you can enjoy the richness of the estuary, which many birds and specialised plants have made their home.
This unmarked route follows the beach from the eastern end of the camping area to Cape Campbell, the southernmost extreme of Cook Strait.
The landscape is a rare combination of coastal forest and tidal channels. Get information about exploring the area and the birdwatching opportunities it offers.
Swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking are popular activities in the marine reserve.
The best way to experience the reserve and its inhabitants is from the water. In addition to boating, snorkelling and diving there are also plenty of opportunities for bird-watching.
There are a number of walks of varying lengths taking you through a forest now full of birds and birdsong.
Walking, exploring the intertidal zone, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, general boating and sightseeing are all popular recreation activities in the reserve.
You can take the Seal Colony Walk to viewing platforms that overlook the seal colony. This walk can accommodate wheelchairs.
The Ōtamahua/Quail Island Track gives you access to swimming and water-skiing beaches, historic sites and a bird-watching barricade. You can also volunteer for autumn and spring tree planting days.
Te Waihora is New Zealand’s most popular recreational duck-shooting area. You can also fish, visit the Hart's Creek bird hide and do the Christchurch - Little River Rail Trail.
The varied plants and animals in the reserve make it ideal for birdwatching, diving and snorkelling and exploring by boat.
From the glistening glassy quartz pea gravel beach to the amazing beauty of rust and green coloured alpine plants Awarua Wetlands are truly magical.
Walking tracks, toilets, shelters and information signs have been put in place for the use of visitors to the island. Ulva Island can be visited during daylight hours, at any time of the year.
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