travel pass for new zealand

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New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first. This depends on your passport, how you are travelling and if you are visiting or only transiting.

2 years for travellers

Processing time

With an nzeta you can.

• Travel to New Zealand or transit Auckland International Airport without first applying for a visa.
• Visit up to 3 months, or 6 months for UK citizens.

Things to note

• If you are already in New Zealand and want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa not an NZeTA.
• If you have a valid New Zealand visa, you do not need an NZeTA.

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Who is it for

Check if you need an NZeTA or a visa before travelling to New Zealand.

Most travellers need either an NZeTA or a visa to travel to New Zealand. This depends on the passport you are travelling on, and if you will be a visitor or a transit passenger .

Check if you need an NZeTA or a visa

You can use your NZeTA to travel to New Zealand multiple times while it is valid. An NZeTA is valid for 2 years for travellers, or 5 years for crew members.

You may not be allowed to visit or transit New Zealand if you do not meet the good character requirements. If you are not sure you will meet the requirements — for example you have a criminal conviction — you should apply for a visa and have one before you travel. Check the character requirements under 'What you need to apply'.

What you need to apply

Visiting new zealand.

'Visiting' means you are entering and staying in New Zealand as a visitor.

If you are passing through a New Zealand airport — other than Auckland International Airport — on your way to another country, you will be a visitor because you have to enter New Zealand. 

If you already have a current New Zealand visa, you do not need an NZeTA.

If you give the wrong information in your NZeTA request, we may give you an NZeTA that only lets you transit through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger  — you cannot visit New Zealand as a transit passenger.

Arriving on a cruise ship as a passenger

If you are arriving by sea as a cruise ship passenger, you must have an NZeTA — unless you are on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA. You can be any nationality.

Travellers who do not need an NZeTA

Arriving by cruise ship

Citizen of a visa waiver country

If you are travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country, you must have an NZeTA — unless you are:

• on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA, or
• coming for medical treatment or consultation — you will need to apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, not an NZeTA. Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

Visa waiver countries and territories

Australian citizen or permanent resident

Australian citizen.

If you are travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or NZeTA before you travel. We will normally give you an Australian Resident Visa when you arrive — but you must meet the character requirements of this visa.

Australian Resident Visa

You may not be allowed to travel to New Zealand if you do not meet the good character requirements. If you are not sure you will meet requirements — for example you have a criminal conviction or have been deported before — you should apply for a visa and have one before you travel.

Australian permanent resident

If you are an Australian permanent resident wanting to visit New Zealand, you must have an NZeTA — unless you are on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA.

You also need:

• a current Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Australian Resident Return Visa — these cannot be 'provisional' visas, and
• travel conditions on that visa to let you return to Australia.

Other visitors who need a visa

You must have a valid visa before you travel to New Zealand, if you are:

• not a citizen of a visa waiver country or territory
• not an Australian permanent resident
• not arriving on a cruise ship, and
• not on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA.

If you are coming to New Zealand for medical treatment or consultation, you need to apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, not an NZeTA.

Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

Explore visa options

How long you can visit for

When you arrive at the New Zealand border with your NZeTA, we may give you a visa that lets you stay:

• up to 3 months at a time, or
• up to 6 months at a time if travelling on a UK passport.

We usually give Australian permanent residents and citizens an Australian Resident Visa.

Your visa expires when the 3 months or 6 months have passed — or if you leave earlier. When you arrive in New Zealand next time with an NZeTA, we give you a new visitor visa.

You can only be in New Zealand for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. This period is the 12 months counting back from your intended departure date (when you plan on leaving New Zealand).

You are travelling on a passport from Canada. This means you can stay in New Zealand for visits of up to 3 months. You visit for the first time for 3 months, from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023. After your visit, you return home.

You decide you want to make a second visit, again for 3 months. You plan to arrive in New Zealand on 1 July 2023, and leave on 30 September 2023 (your intended departure date). This means you will be in New Zealand for a total of 6 months in the period 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023 — this is the 12-month period counting back from your intended departure date.

You can make this visit because you will be in New Zealand for no more than 6 months in that 12-month period. Refer to Figure 1.

After your second visit you return home. You decide you want to visit New Zealand again for the whole month of November 2023.

You cannot make this third visit because you will be in New Zealand for a total of 7 months in the period 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 — this is the 12-month period counting back from your intended departure date. You can only spend a total of 6 months in New Zealand in any 12-month period. Refer to Figure 2.

Transiting to another country through Auckland International Airport

Some travellers can use an NZeTA to transit Auckland International airport as a transit passenger  on their way to another country. You can stay in the transit area for up to 24 hours and cannot visit New Zealand. Auckland International Airport is the only airport in New Zealand where you can be a transit passenger. 

If you are passing through a different New Zealand airport on your way to another country, you will be a visitor not a transit passenger. This is because there is no transit area, so you have to enter New Zealand. Refer back to the section on 'Visiting New Zealand'.

Check who needs an NZeTA, a Transit Visa or neither to transit through New Zealand.

Transit passengers

Crew member of a cruise ship or commercial airline

You need to get a Crew ETA through your employer if you are a crew member of a:

• cruise ship — this includes if you are flying in to join the ship in New Zealand, or
• commercial airline.

Crew of planes and cruise ships

Checking your NZeTA status

After you request an NZeTA you can check its status or update your details.

Check your NZeTA status

How to request a change to your NZeTA

We usually process NZeTA requests within 72 hours — many are processed faster, but some may take longer. To avoid delays, you should request an NZeTA well before you travel.

The criteria and evidence below will provide you with the information you need to meet the requirements of an NZeTA.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

We use your passport details to check your identity.

You may not be allowed to check in to your flight if your passport is close to expiring. Check that it will not expire while you are in New Zealand or close to when you plan to leave New Zealand.

Before you travel to New Zealand

You must be in good health

You must be of good health. When you request your NZeTA you will be asked whether you are coming to New Zealand for medical consultation or treatment. 

If you want to come for medical consultation or treatment, you need to apply for a ‘Medical Treatment Visitor Visa’ before travelling to New Zealand.

You must be of good character

When you request your NZeTA, you will be asked some questions about your character.

You may not meet our good character requirements if any of the following apply:

• you have a criminal conviction
• you have been deported, removed or excluded from another country
• we have reason to believe you may be a risk to New Zealand's security, public order or public interest.

If you are visiting New Zealand, you must meet all the requirements to get a visa and entry permission.

You must not be a person described in sections 15 and 16 of the Immigration Act 2009:

Section 15 Certain convicted or deported persons not eligible for visa or entry permission to enter or be in New Zealand – New Zealand Legislation

Section 16 Certain other persons not eligible for visa or entry permission – New Zealand Legislation

Australian citizens and permanent residents who are visiting New Zealand must meet the character requirements of the Australian Resident Visa. Australian Resident Visa

Other visitors must meet the character requirements for temporary visas. Good character for temporary visas

If we have reason to believe you are not of good character, you will not receive a NZeTA.

People who may be considered a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest, include those who are registered sex offenders or associated with a gang.

If we have reason to believe you are not of good character, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand at check-in, or refuse you entry permission when you get here.

If you are not sure you will meet our requirements for good character, you should apply for a visa before coming to New Zealand.

You can be any nationality if entering New Zealand as a cruise ship passenger

We use your passport to check your citizenship when you request your NZeTA.

Arriving by plane

You must be a citizen of a visa waiver country if entering New Zealand by plane

In transit through Auckland International Airport

You must be a citizen of a visa waiver country or transit visa waiver country if passing through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on your way to another country

If you are from any other country, you can get an NZeTA if you are passing through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on your way to or from Australia.  

Transit passengers must remain in the transit area at Auckland International Airport.

Transit visa waiver country

You must have enough money to live on while you’re in New Zealand

You must have at least NZD$1,000 for each month of your stay, or if you have already paid for your accommodation, NZD$400 for each month of your stay.

You may be asked for evidence you will have access to your funds when you check-in or arrive in New Zealand.

If you are pregnant, there are additional requirements.

Paying for maternity care

You cannot meet the funds requirement for visa waiver travel by arranging a sponsor. If you want to arrange sponsorship , you have to apply for a visa before you travel to New Zealand.

Onward travel

You must have a ticket out of New Zealand

When you check-in, you will be asked to present your travel ticket out of New Zealand to a country you have the right to enter .

Your departure date must be within 3 months of your arrival, or if you are from the United Kingdom, within 6 months.

If after you leave New Zealand you will be travelling to a country that also has an onward travel requirement, we may ask to see that ticket too.

Your tickets must be paid for before your travel.

If you will be leaving on a private craft or cruise ship, we will accept a letter from the craft owner or a cruise itinerary as proof of your travel arrangements.

If your only reason for coming to New Zealand is to renew a visa for another country, we recommend that you apply for a visa before travelling.

Time in New Zealand

You can only visit New Zealand for up to 6 months in any 12-month period.

We will check our records to see how much time you have spent in New Zealand.

If you do not meet this requirement, you must apply for a visitor visa and have it before you travel to New Zealand.

Relationship with family

Your family must meet the same requirements to travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA.

To travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA, your family must:

• be in good health
• be of good character
• be bona fide applicants
• be citizens of a visa waiver country – except if arriving by cruise ship
• have enough money to live on while in New Zealand
• have a ticket out of New Zealand to a country they have the right to enter .

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ

Evidence that you are a genuine visitor

If family members do not meet the requirements they should apply for a visa before visiting New Zealand.

Process and costs

Find out the process, timeframes and costs of requesting an NZeTA, based on your passport and if you are visiting or transiting. Visitors must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your personal details. Enter your details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

When you arrive

You need to apply for entry permission and meet the conditions of the visa we give you.

Entry permission

All travellers visiting New Zealand must complete a traveller declaration before arriving.

As part of the declaration, you apply for a visa and entry permission . We check your identity and other information to make a decision.

You can complete the traveller declaration online up to 24 hours before your trip to New Zealand starts. Find out how to submit your declaration on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration website.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

If you are a transit passenger  at Auckland International Airport, you do not have to complete a traveller declaration. This is because you cannot leave the transit area to visit New Zealand.

Visa conditions

If we decide you meet the requirements, we give you a visa.

Australian permanent residents may get an Australian Resident Visa.

If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country, we may give you a Visa Waiver Visitor Visa to stay up to 3 months — or 6 months for UK citizens.

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa

If you are arriving by cruise ship you will be deemed to hold a visitor visa .

Stay longer

If you are in New Zealand now and want to stay longer, you need to get another visa.

Extend your visit

If you are in New Zealand now and want to stay longer than the conditions of your visa, you must apply for another visa and have it before your current visa expires.

Find the visa that is best for you.

Staying after your visa expires

You can be deported if you stay in New Zealand after your visa expires. If you are deported you risk not being able to return to New Zealand in the future.

If you do not leave before your visa expires

Request an NZeTA

NZeTA Electronic Travel Authority New Zealand!

Some visitors and transit passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa if they get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel.

Request an NZeTA

Passport holders of some countries and territories do not have to apply for a visa before they travel to New Zealand but must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

Travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa — if you are from a visa waiver country, a cruise ship passenger or a permanent resident of Australia.

Pass through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on the way to or from Australia.

Pass through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on the way to another country — if you are from a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country.

Get someone to help you with your NZeTA request — you will need to tell them about your criminal conviction history and whether you are seeking medical treatment in New Zealand.

Things to note

From 1 October 2019, if you are from a visa waiver country you must hold an NZeTA before you travel.

Allow up to 72 hours for processing, but it could take as little as 10 minutes.

An NZeTA request costs $55.

You pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA.

Stay up to 3 Months Per Visit

An NZeTA valid for 2-Years

Visiting New Zealand

If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you must request an NZeTA before you travel if you:

are visiting for up to 3 months — or, if you are a British citizen, up to 6 months.

Approved NZeTA valid up to 2 years.

Arriving by cruise ship

If you are flying into New Zealand to join your cruise, you must have:

an NZeTA if you are from a visa waiver country, or

a visa if you are from a country that requires a visa to visit New Zealand.

Transit Passengers

If you are passing through New Zealand on your way to another country, find out if you need a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

If you pass through New Zealand on your way to another country and do not plan to stay you are called a transit passenger.

As a transit passenger you can only travel through Auckland International Airport where you must stay in the transit area of the airport or on board your craft.

Depending on the passport you travel on you may need to request an NZeTA or apply for a Transit Visa before you travel.

If you plan to leave the airport and visit New Zealand you may have to apply for a visa before you travel.

List of visa waiver countries and territories

The following are visa waiver countries and territories but must apply an NZeTA

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Saudi Arabia

South Korea

Switzerland

United States

Vatican City

List of transit visa waiver countries

Citizens of some countries do not have to apply for a visa before passing through New Zealand as a transit passenger but must request an NZeTA.

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Marshall Islands

Solomon Islands

Travelling or returning to New Zealand

Passports and visas for entry into new zealand.

• You will need a valid passport .
• If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or a  New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for traveling to or transiting New Zealand.
• Don't forget to check travel requirements for any  countries/regions  you will pass through in transit and on your return journey.
• All passengers entering New Zealand have the option to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration instead of a paper Passenger Arrival Card. Passengers transiting internationally do not need to complete a declaration.

Transit in New Zealand

• If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or a  New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for transiting through New Zealand
• Remember to check your final destination's entry requirements .
• Travellers do not require proof of vaccination or a pre-departure test to enter New Zealand.
• Air New Zealand does not require passengers to provide proof of vaccination or a pre-departure test. We do ask that if you're feeling unwell and test positive for COVID-19, please consider changing your travel plans. 

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

New Zealand

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in New Zealand set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the New Zealand High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering New Zealand.

Passport validity requirements

To enter New Zealand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from New Zealand, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to enter New Zealand if you are a visitor staying less than 6 months. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority ( NZeTA ).

At New Zealand border control, you will also need to show that you meet the criteria for visa-free entry:

• proof of a return or onward ticket
• proof that you have enough money for your stay

Check the full criteria on New Zealand Immigration .

New Zealand has strict immigration rules, particularly on employment. Visitors cannot work in New Zealand.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority ( NZeTA )

If you are entering without a visa, you need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority ( NZeTA ) before you travel. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy when you apply.

Allow up to 72 hours for it to be processed. Your NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years.

Applying for a visa

Check the visa options and costs on New Zealand Immigration .

To extend your visa, first check your visa expiry date on the New Zealand Visa Verification Service . See further information from New Zealand Immigration on how to apply for a visa extension .

Travelling through New Zealand

You will need to get a NZeTA before you travel if you are travelling through New Zealand to another country.

In most cases, transit passengers must hold an NZeTA or transit NZeTA before travel.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s New Zealand guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of New Zealand. It is illegal to import most food products. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some products, including wood products, golf clubs, footwear, tents, fishing equipment and items made from animal skin, can carry harmful pests or diseases. Check what items you are permitted to bring into New Zealand . If in doubt, declare items to a Biosecurity New Zealand official or dispose of them in one of the marked bins available at the airport.

If you break any of these rules you could get a fine of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars or a prison sentence.

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• Scenic Bus Passes
• Scenic Train Passes

New Zealand Travel Rail Pass

New Zealand Travel Scenic Passes are available for travel on all 3 train services and ferry travel Valid for travel to 31 March 2025

If you‘re not sure when you’d like to travel, the Freedom Pass is for you. A New Zealand Travel Team Rail Pass is a flexible ‘Book As You Go’ travel pass that allows you to travel on New Zealand’s 3 long-distance passenger train services between Auckland and Wellington, Picton to Christchurch, Christchurch to Greymouth and ferry sailing/s between the North and South Islands by purchasing the number of ‘Travel’ days you want to use and travel whenever it suits, for up to 2 months from the date of your first journey.

New Zealand Travel Scenic Pass is suited for independent travellers, families or small groups, who are travelling together on the same routes, to the same destinations.

Reservations for train & ferry services are compulsory and should be made as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and no later than 72 Hours prior to the travel date to secure you a seat.  Reservations are subject to availability and can be made by contacting our New Zealand Travel Team.

Please note each traveller needs his or her own pass.

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See the real New Zealand... your way

Whether you want to see new zealand top to bottom or just sample some scenic highlights, there's a travelpass itinerary to suit you the route is fixed, but you can travel along it at your own pace on intercity, new zealand's largest bus network., decide which travelpass is right for you, click on any of the passes below to see the full details of the pass before you buy it online. once you've purchased your pass, log in or call the travelpass team on 0800 33 99 66 to book your travel.

North Island Explorer - TravelPass

Bay Escape - TravelPass

Includes: Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Cruise

West Coast Passport - TravelPass

Alps Explorer - TravelPass

Includes: Milford Sound Day Tour

Scenic South - TravelPass

North and South Highlights - Travelpass

Includes: Interislander Ferry Travel

Got more questions? Read our full TravelPass FAQs or check the TravelPass terms and conditions.

Start booking your travel today

It's easy to book travel using your pass you can log in by clicking below and book all your travel yourself. plan your trip and add on extras like day tours, all in one place..

Having issues logging in to your TravelPass? Call 0800 33 99 66

TravelPass FAQs

Here are some commonly - asked questions to help you understand your travelpass, what's included in my pass.

Your TravelPass includes bus transport and commentary on selected services, and most TravelPass itineraries include bonus selected sightseeing day tours. Please note some day tours are currently unavailable.

All national travel passes include a one-way journey on the Interislander ferry between Wellington and Picton. Meals, accommodation and optional activities are not included in your TravelPass price.

Does my pass include accommodation?

No. TravelPass™ gives you complete freedom to choose where you want to stay. When you are ready to book your New Zealand accommodation you can get the best deals and no booking fees here: Book New Zealand accommodation .

How long is a TravelPass valid for?

All TravelPasses™ are valid for 12 months from the date of activation. Activation occurs once travel has been booked on the pass.

How do I book travel on my TravelPass?

When you purchase your pass you'll choose an access code (a word or phrase that functions a bit like a password). To book travel online, first log in with your booking reference and access code. On your pass dashboard you'll see a map of your TravelPass itinerary and details of any sectors you have already booked. Use the search panel to search for and book each sector of your itinerary.

To book travel by phone, call our national contact centre toll free on 0800 33 99 66 (remember to have your booking reference and access code handy when you call). Alternatively you can book your travel with hundreds of retail agents nationwide, including the i-SITE Visitor network, YHA, BASE and Nomad Hostels. See a full list of InterCity retail agents .

Currently the InterCity mobile app offers only limited support for pass customers. You may be able to view your bookings but we recommend managing your pass on our website for full functionality.

How do I book tours on my TravelPass?

Please note some tours are currently unavailable.

First, log in to manage your pass. Then search for travel from the starting point of your tour, to the end point, on your preferred date. On the search results page, select the tour service.

IMPORTANT: Milford Sound cruises, entrance to Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set are shown as 'extras' on the bus services for these tours. You must select and add these extras to your cart in order to book them. You can also add other extras (like meals) to your tour in the same way. At the checkout we'll book the trip on your pass and you can pay for any extras that aren't included in your pass.

Can I change my departure dates?

Yes. You can make changes to your itinerary up to 2 hours prior to departure on all bus sectors.

Can I book extra travel not using my pass?

Yes! InterCity’s national network is bound to have a service that fits your travel plans. Just give us a call or book online (making sure you are logged out of your pass first). Extra travel is at an additional cost.

Can I use the same pass as my friend?

No, each traveller must have their own pass. To buy two or more passes in one booking transaction, please contact us . However, if you do this you and your friend(s) must travel together on the same dates and same services. If you intend to travel on different dates or services, you must purchase the passes in separate booking transactions.

Can I stop anywhere along the route?

Yes. Each TravelPass is divided into sectors or 'legs' by the main stops shown on the itinerary. As you travel along a leg you can stop at any of our other stops along the route, continuing until the leg has been completed. For example, if your pass includes travel between Picton and Christchurch, you could complete this leg by booking travel from Picton to Blenheim, Blenheim to Kaikoura, and Kaikoura to Christchurch, staying as long as you like in each place. Once you get to Christchurch that leg of your pass will be completed. You can't backtrack or repeat travel within a leg.

IMPORTANT: If your pass includes travel on the TranzAlpine train, only a single non-stop journey is included. You cannot stop off along the route (for example, at Arthur's Pass) and continue your journey another day.

Where can I find your timetable and bus stop locations?

A complete list of timetables and InterCity bus stops throughout the country can be found here . Please note that your TravelPass is valid for travel on InterCity bus services only, plus selected GreatSights New Zealand (GS) and awesomeNZ (AW) tours.

Any other questions?

Check the TravelPass terms and conditions or contact us .

TravelPass terms and conditions

If You Seek

Across our incredible country, you can find everything from untamed wilderness to rich culture. There's more to find in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into New Zealand.

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10 Of The Most Beautiful National Parks You Can Visit In New Zealand

N ew Zealand is famous for being one of the most picturesque countries in the world as well as being one of the most travel-friendly countries. The national parks in New Zealand reflect the beauty and natural diversity of the Pacific island nation. New Zealand is reasonably large — a similar landmass to the state of Colorado — but spread out over a much larger area because of its irregular shape.

When going to New Zealand, the national parks are some of the most important attractions — and in New Zealand, the national parks are all free . New Zealand currently has 13 national parks and all of them are utterly stunning. Here are some of the best national parks in New Zealand.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is by far the largest National Park in the nation and is located in the southwest of the South Island. Fiordland National Park protects some of the most unspoiled landscapes in the country and some of the most dramatic. It is famous for its majestic mountains, alpine lakes, timeless forests, and breathtaking fjords.

• Fiordland's most famous fjords are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is located in the heart of the North Island and protects other-worldly volcanic landscapes .

It is most famous for the Tongariro Crossing where visitors spend a day trekking through the lands used for filming Mordor in the Lord of the Rings. Travelers will love seeing the emerald-colored alpine lakes and volcanic cones and other volcanic features.

Related: Arthur’s Pass National Park: How To Hike The Backbone Of New Zealand's Southern Alps

Arthur's Pass National Park

Arthur's Pass is at the center of the South Island and protects some of the most dramatic mountains of the Southern Alps. It is the only national park that can be accessed by train in New Zealand, which makes for not only an amazing sightseeing experience, but a comfortable one, too.

The Transalpine Train is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world and a must for anyone visiting New Zealand.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is located along the southern part of the Southern Alps. The mountains here are famous as some of the most dramatic in New Zealand, and many aspire to see (and climb) them.

They may not be as tall as those of Mount Cook National Park which has the tallest mountains in the country, but they are equally dramatic in their own right.

Related: Why Visit Great Barrier Island: New Zealand's Most Forgotten Island

Mount Egmont National Park

Mount Egmont National Park is another of the best national parks on the North Island. The park protects Mount Taranaki (also called Mount Egmont) — it is one of the most beautiful and iconic cone volcanoes in New Zealand.

• Mount Taranaki is normally snow-capped and rises dramatically up out of the plains. It was even used to represent Japan's Mount Fuji in the 2003 Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand and is permanently snow-capped with glaciers descending dramatically from its peaks.

At 3,755 meters tall, Mount Cook is not a particularly tall mountain by global standards, but it is still a challenging mountain to climb and it requires technical mountaineering.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is named in honor of the first European to discover New Zealand (a Dutchman) and the park protects some of New Zealand's most dramatic coastal scenery.

It has the Abel Tasman Track, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand that explores some of the most picturesque beaches in the country.

Related: Why Stewart Island, New Zealand's Third Island, Is Worth Visiting

Rakiura National Park

Rakiura National Park is the only national park in New Zealand not located on one of the two main islands. Rakiura National Park covers around 85% of New Zealand's third island, Stewart Island (also called Rakiura).

It is the youngest of the national parks and perhaps the most remote. It is also one of the few places in New Zealand where is reasonably easy to see the iconic kiwi bird in the wild with a special tour .

Westland Tai Poutini National Park

The Westland Tai Poutini National Park is famous in New Zealand as it protects the most popular glaciers, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. It extends from the peaks of the Southern Alps to the rainforests of the remote South Island's West Coast.

The rainforests are dramatic, and the glaciers are some of the only opportunities to almost see a glacier descend into a rainforest.

Whanganui National Park

Whanganui National Park is one of the national parks on the North Island, and it protects some of the unspoiled lands boarding the Whanganui River.

• Taking a multiday rafting trip down the Whanganui River is one of the most rewarding things people can do in New Zealand and is the only "Great Walk" that isn't actually walking.

No matter which National Park travelers venture to in New Zealand, they are sure to make memories and maybe some gorgeous snapshots to remember the adventure with.