It's official! These New Zealand attractions will charge foreign visitors

Recently at the National Party conference in Christchurch, the New Zealand government announced that the Department of Conservation (DOC) will implement fees for foreign tourists visiting high-traffic attractions. These iconic DOC-managed sites will begin charging international visitors between NZ$20 to NZ$40 per person starting in 2026. New Zealand residents and permanent residents will be exempt from these fees.

🔎Which attractions will charge fees?
The Prime Minister indicated the government plans to initially trial the fees at several sites where international visitors comprise up to 80% of total visitors.

1. Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-a-Hei)
One of North Island's most magical coastlines, located on Coromandel Peninsula's eastern side, famous for its spectacular arch rock formation and pristine white beaches. The most iconic feature is the coastal sea arch resembling a Gothic cathedral dome, hence its name.

2. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This 19.4km (6-8 hour) trek through Tongariro National Park traverses volcanic landscapes, lakes and alpine wilderness between active volcanoes Mount Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Hikers witness moon-like red craters, steaming thermal areas, emerald volcanic lakes and Blue Lake.

3. Milford Track
Often called "the finest walk in the world" since British writer P.L. Hall's 1908 declaration, this legendary Fiordland National Park trail is one of DOC's official Great Walks. Lonely Planet ranks it among the "World's Top 10 Hikes" and National Geographic frequently includes it among the planet's best trekking experiences.

4. Aoraki/Mount Cook
Meaning "cloud piercer," New Zealand's highest peak (3,724m) stands as a sacred sentinel in the Southern Alps. As one of the world's top 10 glacier hiking destinations, the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers a relatively easy 3-hour hike to glacial lakes with stunning views of this "mountain in the clouds."

Post by Trip.Pulse | Aug 4, 2025