New Parking Fees Introduced at New Zealand’s Top Attractions

Visitors to some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions will face new parking fees starting in December 2023. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced a pilot program that will introduce fees at three key sites, potentially expanding to other locations if successful. The initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of these areas while generating revenue for conservation efforts.

Details of the Parking Fees

The pilot program is set to run until June 2026. According to DOC’s Director of Heritage and Visitors, Catherine Wilson, a final date for the program’s implementation will be confirmed by the end of November 2023, following the installation and testing of paid parking equipment.

Parking will be charged at a rate of $5 per hour, with the first 20 minutes free for quick drop-offs or brief visits. For those staying longer, specific daily rates apply: $25 for Aoraki Mt Cook and $20 for both Franz Josef and Punakaiki. Commercial tourism operators with valid concessions will be exempt from these fees during the trial period.

Local residents will also have to pay for parking but can obtain a reduced annual pass priced at $10 per vehicle, allowing for unlimited access. This offer is available to residents of the Buller, Grey, and Westland districts for Franz Josef and Punakaiki, while those living within the Mackenzie District can access it for Aoraki Mt Cook. Regular visitors from outside these districts can purchase an annual pass for $60.

Rationale Behind the New Fees

The decision to implement parking fees follows extensive consultation, including input from stakeholders and public submissions. DOC evaluated over 40 car parks, both domestically and internationally, to develop its pricing strategy. The findings indicated that the average hourly charge for parking globally is approximately $6.40.

The Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has expressed support for user charges that contribute directly to maintaining and improving infrastructure. TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram highlighted the introduction of affordable annual passes for New Zealand residents, emphasizing that they ensure locals can continue accessing public conservation spaces without significant costs.

The pilot program is projected to cost around $3.8 million, funded by the International Tourism Levy. DOC anticipates generating approximately $1.5 million in revenue over the pilot period.

If the trial proves successful, DOC expects to recover the initial investment within a year of continued implementation. The funds raised will support various biodiversity and visitor network projects across the country, rather than being confined to the areas generating the parking fees.

Public Reactions and Future Plans

Public feedback has been mixed, with more than 150 submissions received during the consultation process. Concerns primarily revolved around the potential burden on locals, volunteers, and school groups. Some, like café owner Grant Parrett near Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, argue that any parking charge could deter casual visitors and harm local businesses.

Despite these concerns, DOC remains committed to making parking payment processes straightforward. Measures include offering multiple payment options, clear signage, and universal messaging on parking machines. Enforcement will be handled by an external company, Stellar Projects, which will use cameras to monitor vehicle entries and exits.

Future plans for parking fees may extend to foreign visitors as well, with the government proposing additional charges at popular sites like Milford Sound and Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Tama Potaka, the Conservation Minister, noted that it’s “only fair” for international tourists to contribute to the maintenance of these natural wonders.

As the trial period unfolds, DOC will assess the effectiveness of the new fees and consider potential expansions to other sites. Wilson remarked that implementing parking fees is standard practice in many national parks worldwide, and most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty.