New Zealand · national park
Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes National Park is a national park in New Zealand, established in 1956, covering 1,020 km² (394 sq mi). It is the #7 largest of New Zealand's 13 national parks.
- Area
- 1,020 km²
- Established
- 1956
- IUCN
- II: National Park
- Nearest airport
- WSZ · 92 km
Nearest airports to Nelson Lakes National Park
- 1 WSZ92 kmstraight line
- 2 NSN97 kmstraight line
- 3 BHE120 kmstraight line
More about Nelson Lakes National Park
Nelson Lakes National Park is one of 13 national parks in New Zealand. It covers 1,020 km² (102,000 ha) — about 1.3 times the size of New York City, making it the #7 largest national park in New Zealand (3.5% of the country's national park area).
History and protection
The park was established in 1956, 70 years ago — the first national parks in New Zealand date back to 1887. It is listed in IUCN category II: National Park — protecting whole ecosystems while welcoming visitors for recreation and education.
Visiting Nelson Lakes National Park
The closest airport is Westport Airport (WSZ), about 92 km away — around 1 h 59 min by car; alternatively Nelson Airport (NSN, 97 km). Other national parks within reach include Paparoa National Park (300 km²), Kahurangi National Park (4,520 km²), Arthur's Pass National Park (1,185 km²) and Abel Tasman National Park (237 km²) — easy to combine on one trip.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Nelson Lakes National Park?
When was Nelson Lakes National Park established?
What is the nearest airport to Nelson Lakes National Park?
What protection category is Nelson Lakes National Park?
Data: Wikidata (CC0), English Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons.