In a controversial move in the 1990s, a $5 per car charge was imposed on those wanting to use the 2km of private road and 1km of walking track to the caves.
The charge was imposed by the Tautuku Block 10 Section 3C Trust which administers the Silna [South Island Landless Natives Act] land and represents more than 100 Maori owners.
Trustee Kate McLachlan said yesterday the charge was now $5 per adult and $1 per school-age child and very few tourists were unwilling to pay.
''There are, of course, always people who complain about paying, but I have to say there are not so many now. People are getting used to the idea.''
Most of the complaints were from New Zealanders; tourists from overseas were quite accepting of the charge ''because in other parts of the world, apparently, this is how they do things''.
Income from tourists pays the wages of two car park attendants and the trust is about to spend $25,000 improving drainage channels alongside the road.
It was hoped to raise $120,000 to replace long-drop toilets and provide running water.
