Foreign Tourists to Pay New Fees for Popular New Zealand Sites

Foreign tourists visiting some of New Zealand’s most renowned Department of Conservation (DoC) sites will now incur a fee ranging from $20 to $40. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon unveiled this initiative during the National Party conference held in Christchurch on March 15, 2024. The new charge will initially apply to popular locations such as Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-a-Hei, the Tongariro Crossing, the Milford Track, and Aoraki Mt Cook.

According to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, foreign visitors often make up approximately 80 percent of the traffic at these sites. Luxon emphasized the significance of tourism to the national economy, stating, “Tourists make a massive contribution to our economy, and no one wants that to change.” He highlighted feedback from international visitors expressing their surprise about accessing some of the country’s most beautiful destinations without charge.

The Prime Minister argued that implementing a fee is a fair approach that allows foreign tourists to contribute to the maintenance of these special locations. “It’s only fair that at these special locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution of between $20 and $40 per person,” Luxon stated.

This fee is part of a broader strategy to manage increased tourist numbers and ensure the sustainability of natural resources. As the country continues to attract visitors from around the globe, concerns have arisen regarding the environmental impact of tourism on these pristine areas.

The government plans to implement the fee by the end of 2024, with specific details regarding the charging mechanism yet to be finalized. The introduction of this charge aligns with similar practices in other popular tourist destinations worldwide, where fees are employed to support conservation efforts and preserve natural landscapes for future generations.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among the public and tourism operators. Some believe it is a necessary step towards sustainable tourism, while others worry it may deter international visitors. As New Zealand prepares for the launch of this initiative, stakeholders in the tourism sector are keen to understand how it will affect their businesses and the overall visitor experience.

In summary, the introduction of a fee for foreign tourists visiting key DoC sites marks a significant policy shift aimed at balancing tourism with conservation efforts. The charges are expected to provide much-needed revenue for maintaining these iconic locations, while also fostering a greater sense of shared responsibility among visitors.