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The country\u2019s pristine national parks and great walks are \u201ctruly special to New Zealanders\u201d and foreigners should pay a fee at high traffic sites, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a speech Saturday. The NZ$62 million in annual revenue generated will be re-invested into those locations, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free,\u201d Luxon said. \u201cIt\u2019s only fair that at these special locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution of between NZ$20 and NZ$40 per person.\u201d The government will initially consider introducing the fee at Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track and Mount Cook, sites where foreigners often make up 80% of visitors, Luxon said.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the same time, there will be no charge for New Zealanders to access the conservation estate,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s our collective inheritance and Kiwis shouldn\u2019t have to pay to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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New Zealand has earmarked tourism as a key avenue to generate economic growth as the nation\u2019s recovery from a recession last year gathers pace. The government from November will replace a costly transit visa for Chinese travelers in a bid to attract visitors.<\/p>\n