Nature and Scenery
HubNational parks, coastlines, lakes, glaciers and islands, with how to see them, what it costs and how long to allow. Mountain and coastal weather changes fast, so keep a spare day where you can.
Quick facts
- Cape Reinga lighthouse
- 10 minutes from the car park (DOC)
- From our Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach guide
Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Official links: parks and outdoors, weather and safety
All useful linksDepartment of Conservation (opens in a new tab)
The official home for national parks, tracks, huts, campsites and alerts.
MetService (opens in a new tab)
New Zealand's official weather forecasts, rain radar and warnings.
Great Walks (opens in a new tab)
The official Great Walks hub: which tracks they are, when bookings open and what they cost.
MetService warnings (opens in a new tab)
Severe weather warnings and watches. Read these before a mountain or west-coast drive.
DOC booking system (opens in a new tab)
Book Great Walks, huts, lodges and bookable campsites on the official DOC system.
Mountain weather (opens in a new tab)
Alpine and ski-field forecasts, which can be a different day entirely from the nearest town.
Online bookings explained (opens in a new tab)
What you can book, how far ahead bookings open, and how to change or cancel.
Marine weather (opens in a new tab)
Coastal and recreational marine forecasts, useful for kayak trips and boat days.
More Nature and Scenery guides
NorthlandBay of Islands guide: cruises, Russell, Waitangi and where to base yourself
NorthlandCape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach: getting there and tours
SouthlandThe Catlins: waterfalls, wildlife and a slow coastal drive
CoromandelCoromandel guide: Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and the best road trip stops
MackenzieLake Tekapo guide: stargazing tours, hot pools and the lupin question
MarlboroughMarlborough Sounds: Queen Charlotte Track, cruises and Picton
MackenzieAoraki/Mount Cook village guide: walks, flights and where to stay
Southland