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New Zealand trials paid parking at top tourist spots amid safety concerns

A $25 daily fee for iconic NZ sites could reshape tourism. Locals worry about roadside risks and whether drivers will dodge the charges.

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In this image few bicycles and vehicles are on the pavement. Left side there is a banner. Right...
In this image few bicycles and vehicles are on the pavement. Left side there is a banner. Right side few vehicles are on the road. Few people are under the roof having few pillars attached to it. Background there are buildings. Behind there is sky. Few poles are on the pavement. Right side there are few plants. Behind there are few poles having flags.

New Zealand trials paid parking at top tourist spots amid safety concerns

Paid parking has begun at three of New Zealand’s most popular tourist spots as part of a new trial scheme. From Monday, December 16, 2025, visitors to Aoraki Mt Cook, Punakaiki, and Franz Josef will face hourly charges to use key car parks. The move aims to fund maintenance but has already sparked concerns over safety and visitor behavior.

The pilot programme, running until June 2026, introduces fees of $5 per hour at three Department of Conservation (DOC) sites. Daily rates are set at $25 for Aoraki Mt Cook and $20 for Punakaiki and Franz Josef. Cameras track vehicles entering and exiting, while debt collection is managed by Stellar, a third-party company.

The trial will test whether paid parking can sustainably fund upkeep at high-traffic sites. Authorities are monitoring for unsafe parking behavior and its effects on roads, heritage, and visitor safety. The scheme’s success will depend on balancing revenue needs with public compliance and safety.

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