Paparoa-Nationalpark

The Paparoa National Park covers a 300- km ² area on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. The park protects on a relatively small area of ​​very different types of habitats from the coast of the Tasman Sea to the peaks of the Southern Alps ( Southern Alps ). It was founded in 1987 as the 11th national park of the country in order to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the region from over- use by mining and forestry.

The unique landscape of the Paparoa National Park is the result of limestone, which is the dominant rock of the region. Since it can be more easily removed than other stones of the natural erosion can be found in the park bizarre rock formations, deep canyons and various caves. Geological formations of particular importance are the so-called Pancake Rocks on the coast, and the Paparoa Karst.

Inland, the area of the national park is mainly covered by rainforest; Deciduous trees, palm trees, creepers and ferns here form a dense jungle. A mild climate with very large amounts of precipitation favors the subtropical vegetation of the lowlands. Due to the many different types of soil greater biodiversity is found in the trees than in most other regions of New Zealand. Especially in the valley of Pororari - Rivers there are many Nikau Palms. The wildlife of the Paparoa National Park is dominated by a variety of native birds, including the kiwi. The Westland Petrel is an endemic species in the park

The area is accessible by the along the coast extending State Highway 6, where the only places Punakaiki, Te Miko, Pahautane and Tiromoana lie.