Thursday, October 3, 2024 New Zealand has just made traveling a lot more expensive for most international visitors. As of October 1, the country implemented a 185% increase in its tourist tax, dramatically raising the cost for anyone needing a visa or an NZeTA to enter. While travelers from Australia and most Pacific nations are exempt, tourists from other parts of the world will now face higher fees, stirring concern within the tourism industry about the potential impact on visitor numbers and spending.
This significant tax hike aims to help New Zealand manage the environmental and infrastructural costs of tourism, but many wonder how it will affect future travel plans. Most Foreign Travelers Now Facing Higher Tourist Tax On October 1, New Zealand officially implemented a 185% increase in its tourist tax, impacting nearly all international visitors. If you’re traveling to New Zealand and need a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), you’ll now notice the higher fee added to your costs.
Fortunately, travelers from Australia and most Pacific nations are exempt from the hike. This updated fee targets a wide range of tourists, including those with visitor visas (with some exceptions), NZeTA, student visas, and various work visas. New Zealand has struggled to manage the influx of tourists while maintaining its stunning natural landscapes.
The previous tax of NZ$35, introduced in 2019, just wasn’t enough to handle the rising number of visitors. Tourism I.
