Wilderness Areas

Wilderness areas of New Zealand are managed to conserve natural values. No roads, buildings, tracks, or bridges are constructed. Motorised land and air vehicles are generally prohibited. Most wilderness areas are remote and not easily accessed.

The Otehake Wilderness Area in Arthur's Pass National Park was delisted in April 2005.


Adams Wilderness Area

This wilderness area includes the Adams and Wilberg Ranges behind Harihari, through to the Butler Range east of the Main Divide. The area is bounded by the Perth River in the south and the Wanganui River in the north.   More ▶︎

Glaisnock Wilderness Area

A remote block of Fiordland forest stretching from the Tasman Sea to Lake Te Anau. The area borders George, Sutherland, and Bligh Sounds in the northwest, and Worsley Arm, North and Middle Fiords in the southeast. The George Sound Track ...   More ▶︎

Hauhungatahi Wilderness Area

Forested and alpine western slopes of Mount Ruapehu within Tongariro National Park, including the small volcanic remnant, Hauhungatahi (1521m).   More ▶︎

Hooker Landsborough Wilderness Area

Remote peaks and valleys around Mount Hooker (2652m) and the head of the Landsborough River. The area borders Westland National Park in the north.   More ▶︎
Olivine Wilderness Area

Olivine Wilderness Area

Remote country in the Olivine Range. The wilderness area includes the Red Hills, the Olivine Ice Plateau, and the Joe River. It borders Mount Aspiring (3027m) and includes Stargazer (2341m) and Moonraker (2027m).   More ▶︎

Pembroke Wilderness Area

Wilderness area on the northern shoreline of Milford Sound within Fiordland National Park, including Mount Pembroke and the western slopes of the Darran Mountains.   More ▶︎

Raukumara Wilderness Area

An area at the centre of Raukumara Forest Park, northeast of the Motu River.   More ▶︎

Tasman Wilderness Area

Region of undeveloped remote wilderness in Kahurangi National Park, stretching from the Garibaldi Ridge to the Heaphy River.   More ▶︎

Te Tatau Pounamu Wilderness Area

Forested northeastern slopes of the Tongariro volcano complex within Tongariro National Park.   More ▶︎
Number of Wilderness Areas 9
Total area 454,957
square kilometres
That's 1.7%
of New Zealand
Largest Wilderness Area Glaisnock Wilderness Area
1,248.00 square kilometres
Smallest Wilderness Area Te Tatau Pounamu Wilderness Area
64.75 square kilometres