Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand
New Zealand ·
Description
Te Wahipounamu is primeval New Zealand. Milford Sound hypnotizes with 1,200-meter granite walls plunging to the fjord, while ephemeral waterfalls birth from every rain. Southern beech forests shelter the kakapo, the world's rarest parrot, and mischievous keas dismantle tourist cars. It's real Middle-earth.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Te Wahipounamu contains the best examples of Gondwanan flora and fauna. The fjords are exceptional. Wildlife includes unique species like kakapo, takahe and kiwi.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For containing the best examples of Gondwanan flora and fauna and exceptional fjords.
It was inscribed in 1990 under criteria (vii), (viii), (ix) and (x).
Fiordland, Westland, Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
2-hour cruise from the wharf; the access road is spectacular.
Over 7,000 mm annually; humidity creates the green landscapes and waterfalls.