From 2027, overseas visitors to New Zealand will face new entry fees to some of the country’s most celebrated natural attractions, including renowned national park destinations.
According to an article by Travel Weekly, the policy will see foreign travellers charged up to NZ$40 (US$24) for access to high-profile spots such as Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, while popular hiking areas like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park and the coastal gem Cathedral Cove in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve will carry a NZ$20 (US$12) fee.ove will carry a NZ$20 (US$12) fee.
The New Zealand Government expects to raise as much as $62 million annually, with funds earmarked for conservation work and job creation within the Department of Conservation (DoC).
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the goal is to protect “sites that are truly special to New Zealanders” by providing more resources to the DoC, while ensuring locals will not pay to visit their own national heritage.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka described the change as “only fair,” noting that overseas visitors often express surprise at accessing some of the world’s most beautiful places for free.
The Government is studying international models, such as Banff National Park in Canada and Yellowstone National Park in the United States, to design an efficient fee-collection system, which could include online bookings, ticket booths, or park passes.
By aligning with global practices, New Zealand’s move underscores the growing trend of using targeted tourism fees to fund national park conservation and manage visitor numbers.