DOC has confirmed the pricing structure for car parks at Dolomite Point, Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau as part of a paid car parking pilot this coming summer.
"We decided on these prices after comprehensive market research, and engagement with Treaty Partners, stakeholders, and the community at these two sites" says Director of Heritage and Visitors, Catherine Wilson. "The outcome is a pricing proposal which we think is fair and reasonable."
The pricing structure aims to answer submitters' calls for an initial free period, special consideration for locals, free parking for concessionaires, and a reasonable price for both regular users and occasional visitors.
The final details of the pricing are:
- Free parking period for 20 minutes to allow for drop-offs/pick-ups or staying a short time
- Hourly rate of $5 per hour
- Daily rate of $20 per day
- Annual pass for locals (within Buller, Grey and Westland district boundaries) of $10 per vehicle per year, allowing unlimited access during the year
- Annual pass for other regular visitors of $60 per vehicle per year
- Commercial tourism operators who hold a valid concession will be able to apply for a parking fee exemption for the duration of the pilot.
"Following a competitive tendering process DOC has appointed Stellar to be the company that provides paid parking hardware and associated services," explains Catherine. "They have a strong track record of delivering customer-focused parking solutions and take a constructive approach to enforcement through clear communication and fair processes."
Payment machines will be installed at the sites and cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles. Non-payment of parking fees will incur breach notices, which will be issued by Stellar.
DOC's estimated combined revenue from the Dolomite Point and Franz Josef paid parking pilots is expected to be approximately $1million over the seven-month pilot period (December 2025 to June 2026 inclusive).
Once the pilot is completed and the benefits have been assessed, a decision will be made whether to continue with paid parking at the three sites, and if it should be extended to other sites.
The introduction of a paid parking programme enables visitors to contribute to conservation facilities as they are out naturing," says Catherine. "This is standard practice at many national parks overseas, and most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support amazing nature sites."
The paid parking pilot is planned to start in December 2025 and continue for seven months until the end of June 2026. Paid parking is also planned to be introduced at White Horse Hill, Aoraki Mt Cook in December 2025. Submissions are currently open for feedback on a proposal for that site until 22 October.
