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The Department of Conservation will introduce paid parking at Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island in Leigh from December, extending its user-pays approach to one of the North Island’s busiest visitor attractions.
The move follows a pilot at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook, with revenue to be reinvested into conservation and visitor facilities.DOC Auckland operations director Alex Rogers says the marine reserve attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year, placing significant pressure on parking and visitor infrastructure.
“International visitors and Kiwis flock to the site in summer, connecting with a flourishing underwater world. We love seeing the place full, but it does put huge pressure on the three car park areas, toilet and changing block, and wider area.”
DOC says paid parking will help manage congestion, encourage turnover of limited parking spaces and contribute to the long-term sustainability of high-use conservation sites.
Community consultation on the proposed pricing structure and local resident permits will take place during August, with final charges to be announced in October.
