Entry to New Zealand's myriad national parks has always been free for both locals and tourists.
But that may be about to change.
New Zealand is considering charging fees for entry into its national parks for the first time, news portal Travel Mole reports.
The Department of Conservation has proposed fees to help fund conservation measures and infrastructure improvements.
It has put forward fees of NZ$20 (US$12) for New Zealanders and NZ$30 (US$18) for international visitors. Discrimination like that might prove controversial.
Tourist fees to the parks would bring in about US $43 million annually, government projections show.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said there is an urgent need for more sustainable management of national parks.
“New Zealand’s ecosystems are declining and nearly 4,000 native species are either at risk or threatened with extinction,” he said.
“This highlights the fine balance between tourism and the fragility of the environment.”
New Zealand’s national parks welcome about 2.6 million visitors each year.
Potaka cited other major tourism countries which levy fees for national park access.
The proposal has had a mixed reaction with some organisations saying it should remain free for New Zealanders.
A period of public consultation has opened seeking views on the idea of charging entry fees for destinations like Milford Sound, Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mount Cook.
The Department of Conservation has proposed fees to help fund conservation measures and infrastructure improvements.
It has put forward fees of NZ$20 (US$12) for New Zealanders and NZ$30 (US$18) for international visitors. Discrimination like that might prove controversial.
Tourist fees to the parks would bring in about US $43 million annually, government projections show.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said there is an urgent need for more sustainable management of national parks.
“New Zealand’s ecosystems are declining and nearly 4,000 native species are either at risk or threatened with extinction,” he said.
“This highlights the fine balance between tourism and the fragility of the environment.”
New Zealand’s national parks welcome about 2.6 million visitors each year.
Potaka cited other major tourism countries which levy fees for national park access.
The proposal has had a mixed reaction with some organisations saying it should remain free for New Zealanders.
A period of public consultation has opened seeking views on the idea of charging entry fees for destinations like Milford Sound, Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mount Cook.
The government is seeking feedback on the matter until February 2025.
Image: Milford Sound National Park
No comments:
Post a Comment