Fees · Destination Guide
Cold-water kelp forests and canyon-fed wildlife on New Zealand's whale coast
Key fee: International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
NZD $100
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Kaikoura does not require a paid marine park tag for diving, but New Zealand does charge an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) to most international visitors. In the water, fees are mostly tour-based (whale watch, dolphin swim, seal snorkel). Protected areas like Hikurangi Marine Reserve have strict no-take rules even when there is no entry fee.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) |
NZD $100
Paid during NZeTA or visa process
| Most international visitors |
| Where to pay |
Usually paid when you request an NZeTA or a visa. Some travelers (including NZ and Australian citizens) may be exempt. Keep your confirmation with your travel documents. |
| New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) (if required) | NZD $17 (app) or NZD $23 (online) + IVL 2 years (multiple trips) for eligible travelers | Visa-waiver nationalities transiting or visiting New Zealand (check your passport rules) | Where to pay | Apply before flying. The IVL is collected during the same process for most visitors. |
| Hikurangi Marine Reserve rules | NZD $0 (no entry fee) Always | Everyone entering the reserve | N/A (rules apply automatically) | Marine reserves are no-take areas. Do not fish, collect, or disturb marine life. Know boundaries before shore entries or boat drops. |
| Marine mammal tourism permits (operator-managed) | Included in tour price Per trip | Participants on dolphin, seal, and whale tours | Book with licensed operators in Kaikoura | Swimming with dolphins and close wildlife encounters are regulated in New Zealand. For dusky dolphins, new permits have been restricted in recent years, which can keep capacity capped. Book early in peak season as availability can be limited. |
Fee
Paid during NZeTA or visa process
Usually paid when you request an NZeTA or a visa. Some travelers (including NZ and Australian citizens) may be exempt. Keep your confirmation with your travel documents.
2 years (multiple trips) for eligible travelers
Apply before flying. The IVL is collected during the same process for most visitors.
Always
Marine reserves are no-take areas. Do not fish, collect, or disturb marine life. Know boundaries before shore entries or boat drops.
Per trip
Swimming with dolphins and close wildlife encounters are regulated in New Zealand. For dusky dolphins, new permits have been restricted in recent years, which can keep capacity capped. Book early in peak season as availability can be limited.