New Zealand’s Stunning Natural Sites Implement Parking Fees To Preserve Natural Beauty And Support Infrastructure With Aoraki Mount Cook, Franz Josef, And More

Published on November 22, 2025

Starting in December, New Zealand will introduce paid parking at three popular Department of Conservation sites—Aoraki Mount Cook, Punakaiki, and Franz Josef—as part of a trial aimed at funding crucial conservation projects and improving infrastructure. This initiative, set to run until June 2026, will help sustain the country’s renowned natural sites by generating revenue to support ongoing preservation efforts and enhance visitor services. The move reflects New Zealand’s commitment to balancing tourism with environmental sustainability while ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy its iconic landscapes.

New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions will soon introduce parking fees as part of a trial program designed to help fund maintenance and improvements at Department of Conservation (DOC) sites. Starting in December, visitors to Aoraki/Mount Cook, Punakaiki/Pancake Rocks, and Franz Josef/Wairau will need to pay for parking, with the trial set to run through to June 2026. This move comes after increasing pressures on conservation funding and the need to address the rising costs of maintaining these popular destinations.

The New Parking Fees: What You Need to Know

Parking fees will be introduced across three popular DOC sites, and the initiative is set to be rolled out gradually. The pilot program will run from December 2025 until June 2026, and if successful, it could be expanded to other conservation sites across the country.

The Department of Conservation has chosen these three destinations based on high visitor traffic. The areas selected for the initial trial are:

• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: A major draw for hikers and nature enthusiasts, the park will charge $25 per day for parking.
• Punakaiki/Pancake Rocks: Famous for its unique limestone formations, parking here will cost $20 per day.
• Franz Josef/Wairau: This world-renowned glacier region will also introduce a $20 daily parking fee.

While the cost per hour for parking is set at $5, the first 20 minutes will be free, offering a quick stop option for visitors who just need to drop off or pick up passengers. This will help ensure those making brief visits won’t be penalized.

Local Residents Get Special Access

Although parking fees will apply to all visitors, local residents in specific areas will have a chance to secure discounted annual passes. These passes are designed to help locals continue enjoying these stunning natural sites without facing the same financial burden as tourists.

For example, Franz Josef and Punakaiki residents from the Buller, Grey, and Westland districts will pay just $10 per year for an annual parking pass, which will grant them unlimited access. Aoraki/Mount Cook local residents, within the Mackenzie District, will also enjoy the same low-cost option. For those who live outside these areas but are frequent visitors, an annual pass will be available for $60 per year.

This approach acknowledges the special relationship locals have with their lands, as expressed by the DOC. The annual pass program aims to keep access affordable while ensuring sustainable funding for the conservation areas.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay?

The DOC has clarified that there will be no towing or wheel clamping for unpaid parking. Instead, the system will rely on vehicle registration cameras to monitor when cars enter and exit the parking areas. This system will automatically track and record vehicles, ensuring payments are made before visitors leave.

To make things as easy as possible, visitors will be provided with multiple payment options, including credit cards and digital payments. Clear signage will also guide them through the payment process, using universal symbols to make the experience as straightforward as possible.

For tourists who rent cars, rental companies will handle unpaid parking fines. If a rental car is found to have violated parking regulations, the rental company will be contacted, and charges will be added to the customer’s card.

Funding the Conservation Effort

The new parking fees aim to address ongoing funding challenges at New Zealand’s national parks and other DOC-managed sites. The estimated cost of the trial program is $3.8 million, funded through the International Tourism Levy, with a projected $1.5 million in revenue over the trial period. This funding will support the maintenance of trails, facilities, and other visitor services across the country.

If the program proves successful, DOC expects to recoup its initial investment in the pilot by the end of the first year of operation. Revenue generated from parking fees will not only go towards the three trial locations but will be used across the broader conservation network. The DOC aims to reinvest this revenue in biodiversity and infrastructure projects that benefit the entire country.

Addressing the Public’s Concerns

While many visitors are likely to accept the new parking fees, the decision has sparked concerns among some local businesses and residents. Critics have voiced their displeasure at what they see as an unnecessary burden on local communities, particularly in places like Punakaiki, where some business owners fear it will drive tourists away.

However, DOC has emphasized that the fees are essential to ensure the continued preservation of these iconic sites. According to the department, the fees will help meet the rising costs of managing New Zealand’s natural wonders, which are facing increased wear and tear from growing visitor numbers.

Local residents, volunteers, and school groups are exempt from parking charges for brief visits, which is designed to help mitigate local concerns. Additionally, while the program is currently limited to specific districts, there are hopes that broader access will be considered in the future.

A Test for the Future

As part of the trial, the DOC will assess whether the introduction of parking fees will have a negative impact on local businesses or reduce visitor numbers. Feedback from stakeholders and the public will be taken into account before any decisions are made about expanding the program to other conservation areas.

In addition to parking fees, the DOC is considering other strategies to generate revenue, such as charging foreign visitors to access certain national parks. This would follow similar models in other countries and provide additional funding to support New Zealand’s conservation efforts. However, this fee structure is still in its early stages, and discussions will continue into 2027.

In the meantime, New Zealanders will have the opportunity to participate in the trial and help shape the future of paid parking at some of the country’s most beloved natural landmarks. The success of this program could have long-term implications for how New Zealand manages and funds its conservation efforts while balancing the needs of tourists and locals alike.