Fees · Destination Guide
Marlborough Sounds Picton And Lermontov Wreck New Zealand
Temperate reef life, sheltered inlets, and New Zealand's most famous wreck dive
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 21 sources
Fees And Permits
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Fees You Can't Skip
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) - NZD $100
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) - From NZD $17
- Typical payment pattern: Budget for national entry charges first (NZeTA if required, plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy).
What people usually pay
Budget for national entry charges first (NZeTA if required, plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy). On top of that, some iconic topside experiences have specific passes. Marine reserves in the Sounds generally do not charge an entry fee, but the rules are strict and actively enforced.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) | NZD $100 charged when requesting an NZeTA or applying for an eligible visa | Most international visitors (check exemptions on Immigration NZ) | Where to pay | The IVL helps fund tourism and conservation. Confirm the current amount and who must pay before you travel. |
| New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) | From NZD $17 2 years for most travellers | Visa waiver travellers, cruise passengers, and certain transit travellers (varies by passport and routing) | Where to pay | Allow up to 72 hours processing. The IVL is typically charged at the same time if you are required to pay it. |
| Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (QCTLC) Pass | $20 Day Pass, $50 Multi-Day Pass (up to 5 consecutive days), $75 Season Pass varies by pass type | Walkers and bikers using private-land sections of the Queen Charlotte Track | Where to pay | This is a private land access fee that contributes to track sustainability. Check which sections require the pass and buy before you walk or ride. |
| Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve rules | Free (no entry fee) always | All visitors to the marine reserve | Where to pay | Rules are strict: no fishing, no collecting, and no feeding fish. Landing on Long Island is discouraged except for emergencies without prior approval. |