NZ to charge tourists for entry into national parks

New Zealand will begin charging tourists up to $NZ40 ($A37) to visit its most popular tourist destinations such as Milford Track and Mount Cook, as the government seeks ways to help spur economic growth.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon presented a plan to reform the 1987 Conservation Act, with which the government aims to establish a new system of concessions to boost the tourism sector while establishing fees at popular sites.

"Unleashing economic growth on one third of New Zealand's land will create jobs and increase wages across the country," Luxon said in a statement.

In 2024, New Zealand welcomed around three million tourists, a 13 per cent increase from the previous year.

In October, NZ tripled the tourist entry fee to $NZ100 to help offset the cost of maintaining public services and conserving the national heritage.

The government will initially consider introducing the fee at Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track and Mount Cook - sites where foreigners often make up 80 per cent of visitors, Luxon said.

"Tourists make a massive contribution to our economy, and no one wants that to change. But I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free," NZ Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said.

The government has not yet specified when it will start charging admission, although NZ media outlets are speculating that it will be in 2027.

According to official figures, tourism accounts for 7.5 per cent of New Zealand's gross domestic product.