New Zealand Plans $24 Fees for Foreigners at Popular Conservation Sites

New Zealand has announced it will begin charging foreign tourists between NZ$20 and NZ$40 (approximately $24) to access four of its most popular conservation sites: Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track, and Aoraki Mount Cook. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized that these natural areas are a collective inheritance for New Zealanders, who will continue to have free access, and that the fees will generate up to NZ$62 million annually to be reinvested in maintaining infrastructure, protecting the environment, and supporting long-term access. The government also plans to reform the Conservation Act to streamline the concession system, which currently delays business operations on conservation land, thereby encouraging economic growth and more tourism opportunities. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka highlighted that foreign visitors often make up 80% of visitors at these sites, and the fees are intended to ensure that tourists contribute fairly to preserving these iconic natural landmarks. This initiative aims to balance sustainable tourism with economic growth, while safeguarding New Zealand’s natural heritage for future generations. The government is positioning these fees as comparable to charges at cultural institutions, reinforcing their role in conservation financing.