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New Zealand considers imposing National Parks fees
New Zealand is mulling charging fees for entry into its national parks for the first time.
The Department of Conservation has proposed fees to help fund conservation measures and infrastructure improvements.
It has put forward fees of NZ$20 (US$12) for New Zealanders and NZ$30 (US$18) for international visitors
Tourist fees to the parks would bring in about US$43 million annually.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said there is an urgent need for more sustainable management of national parks.
“New Zealand’s ecosystems are declining and nearly 4,000 native species are either at risk or threatened with extinction.”
“This highlights the fine balance between tourism and the fragility of the environment.”
Annually, New Zealand’s national parks welcome about 2.6 million visitors each year.
Potaka cited other major tourism countries which levy fees for national park access.
The proposal has had a mixed reaction with some organisations saying it should remain free for New Zealanders.
A period of public consultation has opened seeking views on the idea of charging entry fees.
The government is seeking feedback on the matter until February 2025.
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