Te Urewera National Park, Wildlife refuge in Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand.
Te Urewera is a protected wilderness in New Zealand featuring native forests, mountains, and clear lakes fed by streams running through rocky terrain. These diverse landscapes shelter native plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
The area became a national park in 1954 and gained a groundbreaking status in 2014 when it was recognized as a natural entity with legal rights. This milestone reflected a shift in how nature itself is protected by law.
The Tuhoe people shape how this place is cared for and understood through their traditions and knowledge passed down over generations. Their presence and practices remain woven into the daily life and management of the land.
Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty, camping areas, and lodges are available throughout the region for different visitor preferences. Come prepared for changing weather and follow local guidance to stay safe while exploring.
A Te Urewera Board made up of Tuhoe representatives and government officials jointly manages this entity under an innovative legal model. This arrangement is rare globally and demonstrates how indigenous knowledge and government oversight can work together.
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