Te Wahipounamu encom passes several national parks in southwest New Zealand -Aoraki/Mt. Cook, Fiordland, Mt. Aspiring, and Westland National Park. The site covers 26,000 square kilometres of remote forests, snow-topped mountains, steep glaciated valleys and coastal fiords. In 1990 it was recognised as a world heritage site because it contains some of the best representations of flora and fauna originating from the prehistoric continent of Gondwanaland.
Scenic flights offer big-picture perspectives of this magnificent part of the world. River jet boat safaris are an exciting and informative way to quickly reach some very remote areas.
An extensive network of short walks and overnight hiking trails is managed by the Department of Conservation. Famous multi-day hikes - such as the Routeburn, Hollyford and Milford tracks - will lead you deep into forested valleys and over lofty mountain passes. You can overnight in communal huts or take guided tours which include gourmet meals and relatively luxurious accommodation.
At Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak, there are several walking tracks originating near the village, including a one hour trail to view the spectacular Tasman Glacier. This ancient valley of ice is 26 kilometres long and up to three kilometres wide. In summer the beautiful Mount Cook Lily, a large buttercup, brings a touch of softness to the harsh alpine environment.
From the west coast, short walks lead to the terminal faces of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Longer guided walks onto the glaciers are available, or you can take a scenic flight and land on the snow and ice at the top.
From the west coast, short walks lead to the terminal faces of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Longer guided walks onto the glaciers are available, or you can take a scenic flight and land on the snow and ice at the top.
Milford Sound was carved from the rock by prehistoric glaciers. The immense, near-vertical sides of this fiord make large cruise boats look like tiny toys. Waterfalls tumble more than 150 metres to the crystal clear waters below. Dolphins, fur seals and penguins are regularly sighted in the 16 kilometre long sound. Options for exploring Milford Sound include sea kayaks and day cruises.
1 comment:
Very informative post. New Zealand, located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, there are three main Islands North Island, South Island and Steward Island, and other small islands. There are 14 national park. Te Wahipounamu coastline and the Te Wahipounamu National Park are very best for adventurous vacation. You can experience bird watching, diving, kayaking. For more details refer Te Wahipounamu National Park
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