New Zealand Officially Increases Tourist Tax by Nearly 3x for Visitors

Understanding the costs associated with international travel sometimes feels like nailing jelly to the wall. While flights are more affordable than ever, taxes and hidden fees are taking the place of your savings.

Here’s something to keep in mind when traveling to Oceania Zealand: As of October 1, 2024, New Zealand is nearly tripling the cost of its tourist tax. Here’s what’s going on.

New Zealand Upping Tax for Tourists

New Zealand currently charges nearly everyone a tourist tax when they visit. As American tourists, you’ll pay the fee when you apply for the NZeTA, which is required before entry. Once approved, it’s valid for 2 years.

Here are the key details on the changes:

• This tax increased on October 1st, 2024
• It’s increasing from NZ$35 to NZ$100
• In USD, the current conversion for this is about $22, increasing to $62

While tourism is amazing for a country’s economy, the growing access to international tourism puts wear and tear on infrastructure and opens up the need for extra conservation efforts.

For countries like New Zealand — famously home of the Shire, pristine landscapes, and lush greenery — nature is a main draw for many visitors. Unfortunately, without proper support in place for conservation, overtourism can ruin sensitive landscapes.

Who Does This Apply To?

This increased New Zealand visitor fee applies to most international visitors, including:

• Visitor visas, with the exception of partner and dependent categories
• NZeTAs (New Zealand’s travel visa)
• Student visas, with the exception of the dependent child category 
• Working Holiday schemes
• Work Exchange schemes
• Student and Trainee Work visas
• Specific Purpose Work visas

The additional fee is a popular trend, with nearly 60 other international destinations opting for the same kind of tax. This has ruffled feathers among travelers and businesses alike, but it doesn’t seem to be much of a deterrent, as international travel has not slowed.

If you’re willing to bear the brunt of the increased cost, you’ll need to pay alongside the application for your visa. Here’s where you can find important information and the link to the applications.

Final Thoughts

International travel is a way of life for many of us, which is why it’s vital to stay updated on costs that may come as a surprise. With greater access to the world at large, there’s equal responsibility to preserve the countries we visit. With that said, in today’s financial landscape, the rising cost of tourist taxes — like New Zealand is levying on its visitors — can feel a lot more like a burden than in times past.