Victoria Forest Park

Victoria Forest Park covers 206,000 hectares with diverse beech forests and river systems spread across the Victoria and Brunner mountain ranges. The terrain displays varying elevations and different forest types that shift depending on the landscape.

The region developed from sparsely settled land into a resource extraction hub after Samuel Mackley established farms in 1861. This settlement later triggered gold mining operations that shaped the landscape.

The area displays traces of the mining era through preserved industrial structures that reflect New Zealand's resource extraction past. These remnants remain visible today as you explore the pathways that were created during that period.

The area is accessible via Highways 6 and 69 from the north, and Highway 7 from Canterbury or Greymouth regions. The best time to visit is during warmer months when pathways are easier to navigate.

The area contains all five New Zealand beech species: red, silver, mountain, black, and hard beech, which support diverse native bird populations. This combination makes it one of the most complete examples of the country's beech diversity.

Location: Buller District

Location: Tasman District

GPS coordinates: -42.16900,172.05600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42