International visitors to New Zealand will now be charged a levy of $100.

A $35 fee was introduced in 2019 as a tool to ensure international visitors contributed to the infrastructure they use, including that linked to conservation such as the Great Walks. 

The levy was originally forecast to raise roughly $80 million a year. Despite the Covid-19 border restrictions, it has generated $170 million to date and funds are split evenly between tourism and conservation projects. Around seven per cent of DOC’s annual funding currently comes from the international visitor levy.

Tourism projects already funded by the levy include enhancing visitor access to Fox Glacier and Arthur’s Pass, as well as developing i-Sites across the country. Conservation projects include the long-term Kākāpō Recovery Programme and upgrades that helped reopen the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. 

Conservation minister Tama Potaka said taxpayers already contribute around $884 million a year directly to tourism and conservation, “including tourism promotion, natural heritage and recreation like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing”. It is hoped the increased visitor fee will help cover tourism costs.

Public consultation by MBIE found 93 per cent of the 1101 submissions supported raising the levy. Federated Mountain Clubs had advocated for a levy of $105.

“A $100 IVL would generally make up less than three per cent of the total spending for an international visitor while in New Zealand, meaning it is unlikely to have a significant impact on visitor numbers,” said Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey.