NZ Tourist Fees for Conservation Sites Start in 2026

New Zealand will implement entry fees of NZ$20 to NZ$40 (US$12–$24) for foreign tourists visiting major conservation sites, including Milford Track, Mount Cook, Cathedral Cove, and Tongariro Crossing, starting in 2026. The government expects to raise up to NZ$62 million annually, which will be used for conservation efforts and the upkeep of more than 15,000 heritage sites, supporting environmental protection and rural economic growth. New Zealand citizens will remain exempt from these charges, as the sites are considered part of their national inheritance. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka emphasize that the fee is intended to maintain a balance between tourism's economic benefits and sustainability, noting that international visitors make up about 80% of the traffic at these locations. The initiative is part of broader measures to aid economic recovery, modernize conservation policies, and streamline business concessions on protected land. This policy aligns with a global trend toward introducing tourism fees to manage overcrowding and safeguard natural and cultural heritage.