Foreign visitors who go to some of New Zealand’s most famous natural sites will soon have to pay an extra fee.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that international tourists will be charged between $20 and $40 at certain popular locations. The money, around $62 million each year, will help care for these special places.
The fee will first apply at four major tourist spots: Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-a-Hei), the Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound, and Aoraki Mount Cook. These sites are often visited by people from overseas, sometimes making up 80% of all visitors.
More locations may be added later. The Government is considering a total of around 10 high-traffic tourist areas, including places like Rangitoto Island.
Tourists will need to show proof that they’re from overseas to pay the correct fee. The Government is still deciding how this will work, but it could be similar to how museums or hiking routes already charge different prices for locals and visitors.
Some conservation groups support the idea. Nicola Toki, from Forest & Bird, agreed that it’s fair to charge more for access to natural wonders. However, she worried the money might not stay with those sites and could be used elsewhere by the Government.
Former minister Peter Dunne said it could be hard to manage but believes many people will support the plan. He added that while it may not win votes, it’s a move that many have suggested for a long time.
