DOC to trial paid parking at high use sites
The Department of Conservation intends to pilot paid parking at three South Island visitor hotspots next summer.
None of the trial sites are in Queenstown Lakes, however, if the $3.8 million 12-month pilot is successful, it could only be a matter of time before people are paying to park at local hotspots.
The trial sites are Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast, and White Horse Hill, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury.
“These three car parks are among our busiest. We can’t just keep building bigger car parks – it doesn’t solve the issue or uphold these outstanding areas. We have to modernise and innovate to deliver for nature and for New Zealand," DOC’s Heritage & Visitors Director Catherine Wilson says.
“A user pays approach for DOC car parks has long been mooted as a sensible solution – with the goal of reducing pressure and generating revenue at our popular sites.
“The approach brings us in line with overseas solutions for similar issues. By contributing to costs at high use sites, visitors give back to the places they enjoy, helping create a more regenerative model to sustain New Zealand’s precious biodiversity."
The pilot is funded by International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Work includes car park improvements and introducing the paid parking systems.
“No decisions have been made regarding pricing or charging mechanisms. DOC is in the planning phase for the paid car parking pilot. This work includes engaging with partners and stakeholders, and addressing site-specific concerns.”
Sites like White Horse Hill car park are already over capacity on peaks days with an estimated 700 vehicles per day. At times there are up to 150 vehicles parked up to 1.5 km down the access road.
“For this site, we will be exploring solutions, such as pre-booked parking, to help manage visitor demand and mitigate the environmental impacts that come with heavy use.”
DOC anticipates car park charges will be in place at all three pilot sites next summer (2025/26). The trial period will be 12 months and findings will inform how and where DOC might charge for car parks in future, to help manage visitor pressure and support conservation.
