A National Government would make international visitors pay double what locals pay to go on Great Walks, providing more funding for conservation initiatives.
National conservation spokeswoman Maggie Barry announced the policy alongside Prime Minister Bill English at Jean Malpas Community Nursery in the Queenstown suburb of Kelvin Heights this morning.
The announcement was attended by about 50 people.
When asked if doubling the amount international visitors pay would put people off, Mr English said he did not think it would.
People who had travelled so far to New Zealand would be willing to pay the extra amount, he said.
The policy was not about generating revenue, but about making sure the Great Walks broke even.
Any extra money would go towards maintaining the walks.
After answering questions Mr English and Ms Barry cut a ribbon to officially open an extension of Jean Malpas Community Nursery.
In a statement Ms Barry said the nine Great Walks were among New Zealand’s most popular visitor attractions, but they ran at a $1 million annual loss.
“We believe it’s fair that international visitors who experience our Great Walks pay a little more to enjoy our landscape and contribute to protecting our native wildlife.”
From October 2018, international visitors would pay double the fee on the five most popular Great Walks (Milford, Routeburn, Kepler, Abel Tasman and Tongariro), and 50% extra for the other Great Walks and backcountry hut passes.
“There are no changes for New Zealanders - hut charges for Great Walks will stay at their current low levels.
“New charges will also apply to the under-construction Paparoa Track and the two new Great Walks planned as part of Budget 2017’s $76 million investment in conservation ,” Ms Barry said.
National would also close a loophole which allowed international school parties to book out huts without paying, by introducing a charge for teenagers and children from overseas.
These changes would generate more than $4 million a year in extra revenue, all of which will be allocated to Department of Conservation (Doc) programmes.
“The extra revenue will ensure the Great Walks continue to be a world-class experience for visitors and New Zealanders - and provide additional resources to protect native species like the kea, kiwi and kokako."
“Together with today’s announcement of an additional $5.4 million a year for community conservation programmes, National is showing its commitment to supporting community groups and DOC continue to protect out natural environment.”
