Fees · Destination Guide
Wild kelp forests and predator free islands off the Coromandel coast
Key fee: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and IVL
NZeTA NZD $17-23 + IVL about NZD $100
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Budget for national level entry and conservation fees rather than local dive park tags. Your biggest mandatory costs will be visa or NZeTA fees plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, built into most applications. Around the Mercs themselves, the key constraints are protective regulations: the Caulerpa Controlled Area at Great Mercury Island, no landing rules on DOC nature reserves and local fishing limits rather than direct user fees.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and IVL | NZeTA NZD $17-23 + IVL about NZD $100 NZeTA generally valid up to 2 years or until passport expiry; IVL applied per visit | Most visitors from visa waiver countries and airline cruise crew | Official Immigration New Zealand website or NZeTA mobile app | If you are from a visa waiver country you must usually request an NZeTA before boarding flights or cruise ships, and at the same time you will be charged the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which funds infrastructure and conservation work. Visa required travellers pay IVL via their visa application instead. Always check current amounts and exemptions. |
| Great Mercury Island Caulerpa Controlled Area rules | No fee - non monetary restrictions In force year round until revoked or updated | All fishers, divers, boaties and water users within the Great Mercury Island zone | Not a permit; rules apply automatically within the zone boundaries | Controlled Area Notice conditions ban removing any sea organisms and tightly regulate anchoring and gear movement to slow the spread of exotic Caulerpa. There is no fee to enter the area, but breaking the rules can attract significant fines. Check current maps before you plan fishing or diving trips. |
| DOC concessions for commercial activities | Varies by activity Usually multiple years for operators | Tour operators, guided activities, commercial filming or landings on conservation land | Department of Conservation concession process | If you are running trips, guiding or filming commercially on or around the Mercs you may require a DOC concession or permit, particularly for landings, wharf use or organised events on public conservation land. Recreational visitors booking existing operators do not need their own concessions. |
| Hot Water Beach parking and shuttle | NZD $0-10 per vehicle or person depending on facility Per visit | Visitors parking close to the beach or using shuttles in peak times | Local pay and display machines and shuttle operators | Parking is limited near Hot Water Beach and fees or donation requests may apply at certain carparks or shuttle services, especially during peak summer. Bring coins or cards for machines and always park only in designated areas to avoid towing. |
Fee
NZeTA generally valid up to 2 years or until passport expiry; IVL applied per visit
If you are from a visa waiver country you must usually request an NZeTA before boarding flights or cruise ships, and at the same time you will be charged the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which funds infrastructure and conservation work. Visa required travellers pay IVL via their visa application instead. Always check current amounts and exemptions.
In force year round until revoked or updated
Controlled Area Notice conditions ban removing any sea organisms and tightly regulate anchoring and gear movement to slow the spread of exotic Caulerpa. There is no fee to enter the area, but breaking the rules can attract significant fines. Check current maps before you plan fishing or diving trips.
Usually multiple years for operators
If you are running trips, guiding or filming commercially on or around the Mercs you may require a DOC concession or permit, particularly for landings, wharf use or organised events on public conservation land. Recreational visitors booking existing operators do not need their own concessions.
Per visit
Parking is limited near Hot Water Beach and fees or donation requests may apply at certain carparks or shuttle services, especially during peak summer. Bring coins or cards for machines and always park only in designated areas to avoid towing.