Big changes (and new costs) are coming for Australians planning a trip to New Zealand
Under a proposed overhaul of conservation laws, the New Zealand government intends to charge foreign visitors NZ$20-40 (AUD$18-37) to access some of its most iconic natural attractions in the coming years. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the initial rollout could include Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-a-Hei, the Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound and Aoraki Mount Cook – sites where foreigners often make up 80 per cent of visitor numbers.
The new fees could generate NZ$62 million (around AUD$56.6 million) per year, which would be reinvested in those ecologically and culturally protected sites while supporting tourism operators to 'unleash' economic growth.
The plan forms part of a wider (and controversial) shake-up of conservation laws that aim to ease the process for selling or exchanging protected, publicly owned land. This land covers a third of New Zealand's territory, potentially opening the door to increased tourism, agriculture and infrastructure without the need for permits.
The New Zealand government is expected to introduce these fees in 2027, but locals will be exempt. Might as well plan a trip pronto before that waterfall selfie costs you!
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Time Out
17 hours ago
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New Zealand is set to charge tourists up to €20 to visit its popular natural landmarks
New Zealand was recently named as the very best country in the world, and its cinematic landscapes of mountains, lakes, fjords and beaches play a major role in why it's such a popular travel destination. But soon, tourists to four of the country's most visited natural attractions could be required to pay up to €20 for entry (which is around NZ$40). Why? Well, the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and conservation minister Tama Potaka are planning a new measure to raise funds for conservation projects, and have said that 'it's only fair that at these special locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution,' according to euronews. The four spaces to introduce the fees are Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound and Aoraki Mount Cook. The charge won't be applied until 2027, and New Zealanders will still be able to enter and enjoy the spaces for free. Once the entry fees have been introduced, they could raise around €32 million in revenue. It's reportedly part of a wider economic project to boost employment opportunities and increase wages. But there's also serious reform of conservation laws planned, which will make selling or exchanging conservation land easier, and allow more businesses to operate on that soil without requiring a permit. 'Many New Zealanders already run outstanding businesses on the conservation estate – from guided walks and ski fields, to filming documentaries, grazing sheep and cattle, or hosting concerts and building cell phone towers,' said Prime Minister Luxon. 'But to do any of that, you need a concession – and the concessions regime is totally broken, often taking years to obtain or renew and leaving businesses in a cycle of bureaucratic limbo.' Shocker – environmentalists aren't too happy with this attitude. Co-leader of the Green party Chlöe Swarbrick said that Luxon was prioritising profit over the protection of nature, and Nicola Toki, chief executive of New Zealand's largest conservation organisation, Forest & Bird, said this reform would enable the commercial exploitation of that land, and 'represent the most significant weakening of conservation law in a generation.' It's contentious to say the least. Keep an eye on this page for all the latest information, including confirmation of an official date for when these entry fees will be introduced.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge blow as beautiful country with 3m visitors unveils £17 tourist charge
Following a significant tourist boom, officials have confirmed overseas tourists will be charged to enter some of the country's most popular natural sites - with some fees as high as £17 A breathtakingly beautiful country renowned for its rugged mountains and lush landscapes has revealed plans to charge overseas tourists for entering some of its most famous natural attractions. Last year, around 3.31 million international tourists flocked to New Zealand, a significant increase of 357,000 compared to 2023. Lured in by its glow worm-filled caves, natural springs, incredible hikes and unbeatable coffee culture, the country's tourist boom has shed light on the strain tourism can have on nature. As a result, conservation minister Tama Potaka and prime minister Christopher Luxon have announced new measures to help protect the areas, as well as create more jobs and boost wages. The move will see tourists pay between NZ$20 (£8.87) and $40 (£17.75) to enter a handful of attractions that account for around 80 per cent of all visitors. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain. "Tourists make a massive contribution to our economy, and no one wants that to change," Mr Potaka said. "But I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free." The politician estimated the move will generate a whopping £28 million in revenue per year, which will be 'directly re-invested into those same areas'. However, New Zealanders will be exempt from the tourist charge. "It's our collective inheritance and Kiwis shouldn't have to pay to see it," the PM added, arguing the country's concessions regime is 'totally broken'. "If we're serious about keeping Kiwis at home, creating jobs, and increasing wages for all New Zealanders, we can't afford to keep saying no to every opportunity that comes our way." The first locations to introduce the charges will be Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), a stunning fjord located in the southwest of the south island. Sandwiched within Fiordland National Park, the reserve is highly popular with tourists wanting to explore the dolphin-filled waters and majestic waterfalls on a boat tour. It was also one of the many filming locations for the Lord of the Rings. The iconic Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Cathedral Cove) will also be included in the shake-up. This stunning marine reserve is arguably the country's most famous patch of sand, often pictured by its natural archway that perfectly frames the beach. Other sites slated to introduce tourist charges include Tongariro Crossing in the eponymously-named national park and the famous Aoraki Mount Cook - New Zealand's highest mountain. It is reported that the fees won't be introduced until 2027. Much closer to home, sunbed wars see Brits forced to queue for 'over an hour' just to get to the pool.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
Big changes (and new costs) are coming for Australians planning a trip to New Zealand
Australians have long flocked to New Zealand for a hit of Hobbiton, haka and hot water bliss. In fact, the country has reigned supreme as our most popular overseas destination for almost 50 years. But travelling to Middle Earth is about to get more expensive for international tourists, with NZ set to introduce entry fees for its most famous natural sites. Under a proposed overhaul of conservation laws, the New Zealand government intends to charge foreign visitors NZ$20-40 (AUD$18-37) to access some of its most iconic natural attractions in the coming years. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the initial rollout could include Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-a-Hei, the Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound and Aoraki Mount Cook – sites where foreigners often make up 80 per cent of visitor numbers. The new fees could generate NZ$62 million (around AUD$56.6 million) per year, which would be reinvested in those ecologically and culturally protected sites while supporting tourism operators to 'unleash' economic growth. The plan forms part of a wider (and controversial) shake-up of conservation laws that aim to ease the process for selling or exchanging protected, publicly owned land. This land covers a third of New Zealand's territory, potentially opening the door to increased tourism, agriculture and infrastructure without the need for permits. The New Zealand government is expected to introduce these fees in 2027, but locals will be exempt. Might as well plan a trip pronto before that waterfall selfie costs you! ⭐️
