Australians have long flocked to New Zealand for a hit of Hobbiton, haka and hot water bliss. In fact, the country has reigned supreme as our most popular overseas destination for almost 50 years. But travelling to Middle Earth is about to get more expensive for international tourists, with NZ set to introduce entry fees for its most famous natural sites.
Under a proposed overhaul of conservation laws, the New Zealand government intends to charge foreign visitors NZ$20-40 (AUD$18-37) to access some of its most iconic natural attractions in the coming years. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the initial rollout could include Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-a-Hei, the Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound and Aoraki Mount Cook – sites where foreigners often make up 80 per cent of visitor numbers.
The new fees could generate NZ$62 million (around AUD$56.6 million) per year, which would be reinvested in those ecologically and culturally protected sites while supporting tourism operators to “unleash” economic growth.
The plan forms part of a wider (and controversial) shake-up of conservation laws that aim to ease the process for selling or exchanging protected, publicly owned land. This land covers a third of New Zealand’s territory, potentially opening the door to increased tourism, agriculture and infrastructure without the need for permits.
The New Zealand government is expected to introduce these fees in 2027, but locals will be exempt. Might as well plan a trip pronto before that waterfall selfie costs you!