We believe our National Parks, rivers, beaches, and wildlife are our taonga and are worth fighting for. The Tourism Levy, a small contribution paid by international visitors, will bring in tens of millions of dollars to help protect our environment for generations to come.
The Tourism Levy is a $20 increase on existing border charges for international visitors only.
The policy began as a Green Party members' bill and has now been adopted as Government policy. The International Visitor Levy is now established to increase funding for sustainable tourism and conservation projects.
When added to existing border charges, $50 total levy to visit New Zealand will still be lower than Australia’s $58 to $85 charge and the United Kingdom’s $127 long-haul passenger charge. Unlike many other countries, entry to our National Parks and public buildings will continue to remain free.
The National Government failed to back up its glitzy predator-free promise with the money to get the job done, this levy will help make it actually happen.
People who live in New Zealand will not have to pay the Levy.
Visitor numbers are expected to reach 4.5 million within six years. This levy will enable tourist hotspots to cope with the strain and keep New Zealand’s environment beautiful.
More information
- This new revenue will be split 75:25 between conservation and tourism, i.e. $15 of the levy is for conservation and $5 is for tourism infrastructure.
- It will generate $58 million in its first year Predator Free NZ, with revenue rising with tourist numbers to over $1.5 billion by 2050.
- It will generate about $80 million over four years ($20 million per annum on average).
