Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 28 May 2025
“We’ve begun formally sharing important information with local stakeholders on the paid parking pilots including our plans and timelines,” says Catherine Wilson – Director Visitor and Heritage.
“We’re keen for people’s thoughts on how we can make these pilots a success and are asking for feedback by 19 June.”
The paid parking pilots are expected to begin in October for the coming summer season.
“Piloting paid parking will allow DOC to test if it’s an effective tool for establishing better management of visitor car parking at busy DOC sites, improving the customer experience and contributing toward the financial sustainability of DOC’s visitor network”, says Catherine.
“Other countries use paid car parking to manage visitor numbers and contribute to the costs of national parks and popular tourism sites. Paid parking also allows visitors to give back to the popular places they enjoy.”
In 2018, approximately 500,000 people visited the Pancake Rocks walkway at Punakaiki and over 780,000 people visited Franz Josef. Numbers dropped significantly during COVID but are now recovering to pre-COVID levels.
The paid parking pilots are part of DOC’s work to better manage visitors and their impact while delivering fantastic nature experiences.
For further information on paid parking pilots or to provide feedback, contact PaidCarParking@doc.govt.nz.
Contact
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Email: media@doc.govt.nz
