The 3555km2 Mount Aspiring National Park is a haven for native alpine plants and animals including the tiny threatened rock wren. The park is part of Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area…
Te Heuheu Tūkino IV
The sacred land that now forms Tongariro National Park was gifted to the government in 1887 by Te Heu Heu Tukino IV, chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa. This offering was to ensure the protection of the land. Starting with Tongariro and the generosity of one people, today’s national parks are gifts preserved in perpetuity for everyone.
Horonuku Te Heuheu Tukino IV, [Between 1880 and 1888] Image © National Library of New Zealand