New Zealand to Introduce Entry Fees at Iconic Natural Sites, Targeting Sustainable Tourism

New Zealand will require international tourists to pay entry fees at several of its most celebrated natural attractions beginning in 2027, in a move aimed at supporting conservation and maintaining the quality of visitor experiences. The new fees, ranging from NZ$20–NZ$40 (about €10–€20 or US$12–$24) per person, will apply to foreign visitors accessing sites such as Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-a-Hei), Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track/Milford Sound, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. These destinations frequently see overseas tourists accounting for up to 80–90% of all visitors.

The revenue—projected to reach up to NZ$62 million (€32 million) annually—will be directly reinvested into preserving and upgrading these unique environments and funding broader conservation efforts. New Zealand citizens and residents will continue to enjoy free access, with the government emphasizing that natural heritage is the collective right of all “Kiwis”. The move follows a global trend, joining destinations like Italy, Japan, Peru, and Tanzania where dual-pricing or foreign-entry fees are used to ease over tourism and sustain major tourist sites.

The legislation is part of a broader reform of conservation law that will also make it easier for certain businesses (guided walks, hospitality, and some infrastructure projects) to operate on conservation land, with hopes to drive job creation and higher local wages. There are some environmental concerns regarding increased business access, and further details on fee collection methods—such as booking systems, ticket booths, or park passes—are to be finalized ahead of rollout.

Key Points:

• Entry fees for foreign visitors to key sites: NZ$20–NZ$40 (approx. €10–20), effective from 2027.
• Applies to top attractions: Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track/Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
• Revenue (NZ$62 million annually) will fund conservation and site maintenance.
• New Zealanders retain free access; aimed at fairness and protecting the national heritage.
• Broader reforms will make conservation land more accessible for business, prompting some environmental debate.