For many of us, visiting New Zealand, which has its majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is high on our bucket list. However, for those planning to make that dream a reality, it's important to note that the cost of stepping foot onto the shores of Aotearoa has just increased significantly.


The New Zealand government has announced a substantial hike in the tourist levy, effectively tripling the fee for international visitors. This increase, which will see the levy rise to NZ$100 (approximately $92AUD), is set to take effect from October 1. The rationale behind this steep increase is to help cover the costs associated with maintaining the country's infrastructure and preserving its sprawling conservation areas.


New Zealand is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, which includes a vast network of national parks and conservation areas. The Department of Conservation manages roughly 30% of the nation's land, ensuring these areas remain protected for future generations to enjoy. However, the upkeep of these sites, along with the infrastructure that supports tourism, comes at a significant cost.


Tourism Minister Matt Doocey has stated that the increased levy is necessary to support economic growth while ensuring that international visitors contribute to the conservation of high-value areas and projects. These projects include supporting biodiversity in national parks and enhancing visitor experiences on public conservation land.

While the levy does not apply to New Zealand or Australian citizens, or citizens of many Pacific Island nations, tourism groups have expressed concern that the higher fee may deter travellers from visiting. However, Minister Doocey has pointed out that a $100 levy represents only about 3% of what the average international tourist spends in New Zealand. He also noted that the increased rate aligns with similar fees in countries like Australia and the UK.

The government introduced the initial NZ$35 levy in 2019, and during consultations on the increase, an overwhelming 93% of respondents supported the hike. The current fee generates approximately NZ$80 million each year, while New Zealand taxpayers contribute around NZ$884 million annually to tourism and conservation efforts, according to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.


Despite the concerns, the number of arrivals from Australia into New Zealand has been robust, with 1.2 million visitors in the last financial year. Australians spend about $3 billion each year in New Zealand, with a significant portion of these visitors either on holiday or visiting friends and family. Interestingly, more than half of Australian visitors fly directly to the South Island, with Queenstown being a more popular landing spot than Auckland.

The increase in the tourist levy comes at a time when New Zealand's economy is recovering from a recession triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic had a profound impact on the country's key tourism sector, while fuel and labour costs have also affected the agriculture industry, which is another major economic driver.

While the New Zealand Airports Association has criticised the levy increase as contributing to New Zealand's reputation as one of the most expensive holiday destinations, it's clear that the government is taking steps to balance economic recovery with the sustainability of its natural resources.


For those of us over 60 who are considering a trip to New Zealand, it's worth weighing the additional cost against the priceless experience of exploring one of the world's most beautiful countries. The levy may be a small price to pay for the preservation of New Zealand's unique environment, ensuring that it remains a top destination for future travellers.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this development. Will the increased tourist levy affect your decision to visit New Zealand? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below, and let's discuss the value of sustainable tourism and the measures countries take to preserve their natural wonders.