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The Department of Conservation will continue paid parking at three South Island visitor sites after a seven-month trial generated $1.5 million for conservation projects.
The scheme, introduced at Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Aoraki / Mount Cook, will remain in place, with revenue reinvested into biodiversity, cultural heritage and visitor infrastructure.
DOC director heritage and visitors Catherine Wilson says the trial was successful and generally well received by visitors.
“This pilot has been very successful, with $1.5 million in gross revenue for the conservation estate, and general acceptance from visitors.”
Following public feedback, DOC has introduced a range of changes, including charging in 30-minute increments instead of hourly, extending the $10 annual local permit to two vehicles, and allowing West Coast residents to use one permit across both Punakaiki and Franz Josef.
The free parking period at Punakaiki and Franz Josef will be reduced from 20 minutes to 10 minutes, with DOC saying the change better reflects the intention of providing time for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Catherine says monitoring found paid parking had not affected visitor numbers or car park use, and DOC is now assessing additional sites where similar schemes could be introduced, with further announcements expected before Christmas.
