DOC Introduces Paid Parking Trial at South Island Hotspots
The Department of docs (DOC) is introducing a paid car parking trial at two South Island tourist hotspots this summer. The trial, starting in December, aims to generate around $1 million in revenue over seven months. Stellar, a parking management service, has been appointed to oversee the project, with payment machines and cameras installed at the sites.
The trial will run from December to June at Dolomite Point in Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau. Visitors will enjoy the first 20 minutes free, followed by a rate of $5 per hour, capped at $20 per day. Annual passes will be available for West Coast locals at $10 and $60 per vehicle for other regular visitors. Non-payment of fees will result in breach notices issued by Stellar.
Commercial tourism operators with valid concessions can apply for a parking fee exemption during the trial. DOC expects to generate $1 million from this trial, with a decision on continuation and expansion to other sites to be made by June.
Paid parking will also be introduced at White Horse Hill, Aoraki Mt Cook in December, following a review of parking fees in the area beginning in October 2025. Submissions for this change are open until October 22.
