A paid parking trial is set to get under way in December at two West Coast destinations: Dolomite Point in Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau. The scheme will offer the first 20 minutes at no charge, followed by a rate of $5 per hour, capped at $20 for a full day.
The Department of Conservation is also looking at rolling out paid parking at White Horse Hill in Aoraki Mt Cook from December, with public submissions on that separate proposal open until 22 October.
DOC's director of heritage and visitors, Catherine Wilson, said the chosen locations and pricing were arrived at following comprehensive market research and consultation with treaty partners, stakeholders, and local communities. The pricing framework was designed to reflect what submitters had asked for, including an initial free period, recognition of locals, exemptions for concessionaires, and fair pricing for both regular and occasional visitors.
"The introduction of a paid parking programme enables visitors to contribute to conservation facilities as they are out naturing," Wilson said. "This is standard practice at many national parks overseas and most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support amazing nature sites."
Annual passes will be on offer for those who visit regularly. West Coast locals will be able to purchase a pass for $10, while other frequent visitors can obtain one for $60 per vehicle. Commercial tourism operators holding a valid concession will have the option to apply for a parking fee exemption covering the full duration of the pilot.
Payment machines will be installed at both sites and cameras will monitor vehicle entry and exit. Breach notices will be issued to drivers who fail to pay, with parking management company Stellar appointed to oversee enforcement and administration throughout the trial.
Over the seven-month trial period, which runs through to June, the Dolomite Point and Franz Josef parking locations are estimated to generate around $1 million in revenue. At the conclusion of the trial in June, a decision will be made on whether the programme should continue and whether it ought to be extended to additional sites.
Submissions remain open for feedback on the proposed paid parking scheme at White Horse Hill, Aoraki Mt Cook, ahead of its planned December introduction.
