Top 30 National Parks to Explore Around the World
From the savannahs of South Africa to the fjords of New Zealand, national parks offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking alpine trails, or seeking out rare species, these protected areas are a must for any nature lover. Discover 30 of the world’s most spectacular national parks to add to your bucket list.
Tongariro National Park – New Zealand
Home to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and striking volcanic terrain.
-
Kruger National Park – South Africa
The ultimate safari destination, home to Africa’s Big Five and stunning luxury lodges.
-
Banff National Park – Canada
Famous for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake — turquoise jewels framed by rugged peaks.
-
Abel Tasman National Park – New Zealand
Golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for kayaking and coastal hikes.
-
Yakushima National Park – Japan
A mystical island of ancient cedar forests and rare wildlife, shrouded in mist.
-
Zion National Park – USA
Towering red cliffs, slot canyons, and some of the most iconic hikes in America.
-
Jim Corbett National Park – India
India’s oldest national park, set in the Himalayan foothills and home to Bengal tigers, elephants, and lush forest landscapes.
-
Daintree National Park – Australia
The world’s oldest tropical rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
-
Shiretoko National Park – Japan
Remote wilderness, waterfalls, and brown bears in Hokkaido’s pristine northeast.
-
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Canada
Wild beaches, old-growth rainforest, and surfing on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
-
Yellowstone National Park – USA
Geysers, grizzlies, and dramatic landscapes — the world’s first national park.
-
Black River Gorges National Park – Mauritius
Waterfalls and tropical forests teeming with rare birds and island flora.
-
Khao Sok National Park – Thailand
Limestone cliffs and floating lodges on a surreal emerald-green lake.
-
Yosemite National Park – USA
Granite domes, thundering waterfalls, and giant sequoias in California’s high Sierra.
-
Fiordland National Park – New Zealand
Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound — where rainforest meets towering fjords.
-
Taman Negara – Malaysia
Over 130 million years old, this ancient rainforest is alive with tigers, tapirs, and canopy walks.
-
Grand Canyon National Park – USA
A mind-blowing chasm carved by time — best seen from the sky or its rim.
-
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park – New Zealand
Alpine peaks, glaciers, and stargazing in New Zealand’s highest mountains.
-
Addo Elephant National Park – South Africa
Over 600 elephants roam across bush, dunes, and coast in this diverse park.
-
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park – Japan
Iconic views of Mount Fuji, hot springs, lakes, and historic shrines.
-
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park – Indonesia
Smouldering volcanoes and sunrise vistas unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
-
Yoho National Park – Canada
Towering waterfalls, fossil beds, and one of the most scenic drives in the Rockies.
-
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Australia
Australia’s spiritual heart, with towering red domes and sacred Aboriginal sites.
-
Isalo National Park – Madagascar
Canyons, desert landscapes, and ring-tailed lemurs — a Madagascar must-see.
-
Jasper National Park – Canada
Glacier-fed lakes, roaming elk, and stargazing in a dark-sky preserve.
-
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park – South Africa
Africa’s oldest reserve, pioneering rhino conservation in the Zulu heartland.
-
Morne Seychellois National Park – Seychelles
Tropical jungle trails with sweeping views over coral reefs and white-sand beaches.
-
Kakadu National Park – Australia
Ancient Aboriginal rock art, wetlands, and dramatic outback escarpments.
-
Chubu Sangaku National Park – Japan
Towering Japanese Alps, alpine villages, and hiking in serene mountain ranges.
-
Waterton Lakes National Park – Canada
Where prairie meets mountain — a peaceful, lesser-known gem of the Rockies.
