Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki
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Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki Conservancy Office
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Phone:
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+64 6 349 2100
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Fax:
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+64 6 348 8095
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Email:
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TWTConservancy@doc.govt.nz
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Address:
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34-36 Taupo Quay
Whanganui 4500
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Postal Address:
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Private Bag 3016
Whanganui 4540
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Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki Conservancy encompasses most of the central North Island, including a large tract of western shoreline. The area is noted for its volcanic and geothermal activity and recreational opportunities, as well as the Tongariro, Whanganui and Egmont National Parks.
For management purposes, the conservancy is divided into four areas, each with its own office and staff. The conservancy headquarters is in Whanganui.
In brief
Key land units:
- Tongariro National Park
- Whanganui National Park
- Egmont National Park
- Kaimanawa Forest Park
- Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands marine protected area
- Tapuae and Parininihi marine reserves
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro was New Zealand's first national park, created following a gifting of the sacred central North Island peaks to the nation in 1887 by Paramount Chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV (Horonuku). Subsequently the park has been inscribed on the World Heritage List for its natural landscape and associative cultural landscape features.
Egmont National Park
Egmont National Park cover 33,534 hectares. Here the volcano Taranaki (or Mt Egmont as it is also known) rules supreme standing tall above the surrounding landscape. Beside it are two volcanoes of an earlier era: Kaitake and Pouakai.
It was established as a national park in 1900, the second in New Zealand after its not too distant neighbour, Tongariro.
Whanganui National Park
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches - the heart of Whanganui National Park (established in 1986).
Tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and river trips down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities. The area has a unique history and Maori culture is an important part of the park experience.
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