Paparoa National Park

Infobox_protected_area
name = Paparoa National Park
iucn_category = II

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caption = Map of New Zealand
locator_x = 135
locator_y = 120
location = West Coast, New Zealand
nearest_city = Punakaiki, New Zealand
lat_degrees = 42
lat_minutes = 5
lat_seconds =
lat_direction = S
long_degrees = 171
long_minutes = 30
long_seconds =
long_direction = E
area = 305.6 km²
established = January 1 1987
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Department of Conservation Paparoa National Park is on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

It was established in 1987 and encompasses 306 km². [ cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=38449|title=Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai] The park ranges from on or near the coastline to the peak of the Paparoa Ranges. A separate section of the park is to the north and is centered at Ananui Creek.

The park protects a limestone karst area. The park contains several caves, one of which is a commercial tourist attraction. The majority of the park is forested with a wide variety of vegetation.

The park was the site of the 1995 Cave Creek disaster where a scenic overlook collapse killed fourteen people.

The small village of Punakaiki lies on the edge of the park.

ee also

*National parks of New Zealand

References

External links

* [http://www.natureandco.com/land_and_wildlife/national_parks/paparoa/idx-paparoa.php3 natureandco.com (Paparoa National Park)]