Kahurangi National Park

The country's newest national park, dating from 1996, Kahurangi is, in part, wilderness, in part, a very explorable region of widely varying landscapes and consequent diversity of flora and fauna. Where it touches the coast, stands of nikau palms suggest an almost tropical forest, yet the park's highest areas contain 80% of New Zealand's alpine plant species. The park is home to carnivorous land snails and the smallest of giant wetas. New Zealand's oldest fossil was found in the park. Among the trails in the park is a five day 82 km walk; the Heaphy Track.

Nikau Trees Diana Adams

Serene Forest, Kahurangi National Park, Richard Hume

Image Credits: MJ and AJ 2019