From October next year, international visitors would pay double the fee on the five most popular Great Walks, including the Routeburn, and 50% extra for the other Great Walks and backcountry hut passes. Photo: ODTA National Government would make international visitors pay double what locals pay to go on Great Walks, providing more funding for conservation initiatives. When asked if doubling the amount international visitors pay would put people off, Mr English said he did not think it would. “We believe it’s fair that international visitors who experience our Great Walks pay a little more to enjoy our landscape and contribute to protecting our native wildlife.”From October 2018, international visitors would pay double the fee on the five most popular Great Walks (Milford, Routeburn, Kepler, Abel Tasman and Tongariro), and 50% extra for the other Great Walks and backcountry hut passes. “There are no changes for New Zealanders - hut charges for Great Walks will stay at their current low levels.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 24, 2017 23:45 UTC