More popular NZ sites eyed for paid parking after $1.5 million success

The Department of Conservation’s (DOC) paid parking programme is here to stay, declared good bang for buck.

It was tested through a seven month pilot at three popular South Island sites - Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Aoraki/Mt Cook.   

Interestingly, the most payments were made at White Horse Hill, by Mt Cook’s Hooker Valley Track.

“This pilot has been very successful, with $1.5 million in gross revenue for the conservation estate, and general acceptance from visitors,” said Director of Heritage and Visitors Catherine Wilson in a press release. 

 “Over the past few months, we conducted a customer survey, where we spoke to visitors actually using the carparks, as well as an online and email survey”, she continued. 

“Our monitoring shows that the introduction of paid parking hasn’t impacted on the number of visitors to these sites or the use of the carparks.” 

The feedback revealed multiple areas needing improvement; for example, 20-minutes of free parking may be too much.

“We’ve reduced the free period because people were rushing to complete the Pancake Rocks walk within 20 minutes and we want people to take the time they need to enjoy the experience,” explained Wilson. 

It has since been halved in Punakaiki and Franz Josef.

Other changes include:

• Carpark charges will now be in half-hour rather than hourly increments.

• Improved signage and information clarifying that paying for a single day’s parking allows multiple entries and exits within that day and clearer guidance on how to top up payments.

• The $10 annual permit for locals will now apply to two vehicles rather than one.

• West Coast residents’ permits will cover both Punakaiki and Franz Josef (one permit covers both sites). 

• The $10 local’s permit is a one-off charge – there will be no additional charge if the local permit is renewed. 

• Post Office Box holders at Punakaiki will be able to apply for an exemption from carpark charges at Dolomite Point.

DOC is now looking at a few other sites where paid parking might work, and plans to reveal them before Christmas. 

Image provided by DOC