Travellers planning a trip to New Zealand will need to set aside a few extra dozen Kiwi dollars for a new visitor levy that’ll go towards funding conservation projects around the country.
Commencing mid-2019, international visitors will need to pay NZ$35 to enter New Zealand. A few exemptions will apply to the fee, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and people from Pacific Island countries.
The fee will be collected through visa fees and a new Electronic Travel Authority, Maori Television reported.
Image: Aaron Birch/Unsplash
The tourism levy was announced by the local government this week as a means of raising around $80 million a year to fund various tourism infrastructure and environmental protection projects.
New Zealand’s Conservation Minister, Eugenie Sage, said the money will help protect the country’s natural beauty and improve tourism planning.
Image: Pablo Heimplatz/Unsplash
“The chance to enjoy Aotearoa’s spectacular landscapes and nature are a major reason international visitors come to our country.”
Eugenie Sage, New Zealand Conservation Minister
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis agreed, saying he’ll be working with various partners to evenly divide funds into conservation and tourism.
New Zealand is one of the eco-friendliest countries in the world, as the home of the world’s fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary. The site is designed to restore forest and freshwater conditions in Wellington to pre-human state.
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