Do I Have to Pay to Walk the Tongariro Crossing? | 2025 Update on New Fees for International Visitors

🚶‍♂️ Do You Have to Pay to Walk the Tongariro Crossing?

Starting sometime in 2027, yes – if you’re an international visitor, you’ll need to pay a NZ$20–NZ$40 fee to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s most iconic day hikes.

If you’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, access remains free, just like it always has.

This new fee is part of a government initiative to better manage high-traffic sites, protect fragile environments, and reinvest in conservation infrastructure.

How Much Does it Cost to Walk the Tongariro Crossing?

Important: The new fee will likely be collected during the mandatory DOC booking process — meaning it will be easy to pay online when reserving your hiking slot.

🕰️ Why Is There a Fee Now? The History Behind the Change

🚨 1. Overcrowding and Safety

With up to 140,000+ hikers per year, the trail has seen:

• Environmental damage from heavy foot traffic
• Rubbish and human waste issues despite added toilets
• An increase in costly rescues and medical evacuations

💰 2. Conservation Funding Gaps

The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) spends significant funds maintaining infrastructure — toilets, signage, ranger patrols, erosion control – yet previously received no direct revenue from hikers walking the track.

🌿 3. Reinvesting Where It Matters

This new fee is designed to:

• Fund on-the-ground maintenance
• Improve trail safety and signage
• Support local iwi and community involvement
• Offset costs created by tourism while keeping access free for Kiwis

🗓️ Do You Need to Book the Tongariro Crossing?

Yes. Since 2023, DOC introduced a free booking system during the summer season (Oct–April) to help manage visitor flow.

From late 2027 onwards, the booking process will include a fee for international hikers, while Kiwis can continue to book for free.

🤔 Is This the First Time New Zealand Has Charged for Hikes?

Not exactly — multi-day Great Walks like the Milford Track and Routeburn Track have long charged international visitors. But this is the first time a day hike like the Tongariro Crossing is included in that framework.

The decision signals a broader shift: high-traffic conservation areas may no longer be fully subsidised by taxpayers when most visitors are international tourists.

🧭 How Will the Fee Be Collected?

While exact details are being finalised, the most likely method is:

• Online payment during the DOC booking process
• Proof of citizenship or residency will exempt Kiwi
• DOC Rangers or QR-code systems may verify status on-site

We’ll update this page as soon as DOC confirms the official rollout.

📌 Summary: What Hikers Need to Know

• Yes, you’ll need to pay if you’re an international visitor, starting in late 2027
• No, Kiwis don’t pay — the trail remains free for locals
• The fee will help fund maintenance, safety and conservation
• You’ll still need to book your spot, especially in summer
• Shuttle transport is not included and costs extra

🔥 Bonus Tip: Will Other NZ Tracks Be Affected?

This fee currently applies to four sites:

1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
2. Milford Track
3. Aoraki/Mount Cook area
4. Cathedral Cove

However, this model may be extended to other high-demand trails in the future.

📖 FAQs

❓How much is the Tongariro Crossing fee for tourists?

From late 2027, expect to pay NZ$20–$40 per person (international visitors only).

❓Can New Zealanders still walk for free?

Yes — New Zealand citizens and permanent residents will NOT be charged.

❓Is the shuttle included in the DOC fee?

No – shuttle transport and parking is separate and should be booked directly online.

❓When does the fee begin?

Around November 2027, ahead of the 2027–2028 summer season.

💬 Final Thoughts

New Zealand is known for its natural beauty — but that beauty doesn’t maintain itself. The new fee for the Tongariro Crossing ensures the trail remains safe, sustainable, and stunning for years to come.

We’ll keep this post updated with the latest developments, booking links, and detailed cost breakdowns as more information becomes available.

👉 Bookmark this page or sign up for updates so you’re the first to know when the changes go live!