Looks like you’re going to have to pay more to explore parts of NZ.
Foreign tourists will soon be required to pay an extra fee to access some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions located on conservation land, the Government announced this week.
The initiative is aimed at helping maintain and protect high-traffic sites such as Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-a-Hei, the Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Fees for international visitors are expected to range between NZ$20 ($18.25) and NZ$40 ($36.50) per person, while New Zealanders will continue to enjoy free access.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka noted that around 80% of visitors to these locations are from overseas.
He projected the new fees could generate up to NZ$62 million annually ($56.50M), which would be reinvested into the upkeep and conservation of those same sites.
Potaka emphasised the importance of tourism to the national economy, adding that this move balances economic benefit with environmental protection.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon supported the policy, stating that the country’s most treasured natural areas need stronger safeguards.
He remarked that many international visitors are surprised they can currently access such world-class locations at no cost.
Luxon added that the changes would also create new economic opportunities by expanding business activity on underutilised conservation land through updated concession rules.