Te Wahipounamu – zone sud-ouest de la Nouvelle-Zélande

Located in the south-western region of New Zealand, this site encompasses a diverse landscape of mountains, fjords, and rainforests that reflect the country's distinctive natural and cultural heritage. The area represents an outstanding example of the geological and ecological processes that have shaped New Zealand, with its dramatic topography formed by glaciation and tectonic activity. Indigenous Māori cultural heritage is deeply embedded within the landscape, with significant sites, traditional practices, and historical connections to the land throughout the region. The site is characterized by temperate rainforest vegetation, deep glacial valleys, and coastal features that create a visually striking environment of considerable ecological value. The combination of natural beauty and cultural significance demonstrates the interconnection between the physical landscape and the indigenous peoples who have inhabited and sustained relationships with this territory for centuries.