Fees · Destination Guide
Sea caves, stingrays and subtropical reefs off New Zealand's Tutukaka Coast
Updated Nov 21, 2025 • 11 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
There is no entry fee for the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve itself, but you will pay for charter boat trips and, in many cases, New Zealand's national tourism levy and pre travel authorisation. Specialist activities like commercial filming or research require separate DOC permits that most recreational visitors will never need.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) | NZD $100 Per eligible international visitor per visit |
| Most short term international visitors, with some exemptions (for example New Zealand citizens and some Pacific nationals) |
| Charged automatically when applying for an NZeTA or certain visitor visas |
The IVL funds tourism infrastructure and conservation projects across New Zealand, including DOC managed sites. Check official sources for current rates and exemptions, as the levy has been under review and amounts may change. |
| NZeTA application fee | NZD $17 (app) or NZD $23 (online) plus IVL Typically valid for 2 years for multiple entries | Travelers from visa waiver countries and Australian permanent residents, excluding New Zealand citizens and some other exemptions | Official NZeTA mobile app or Immigration New Zealand website | You must hold an approved NZeTA before boarding your flight or cruise if it is required for your nationality. Apply several days before travel and be cautious of unofficial visa websites charging extra service fees. |
| Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve access | Free Per vessel or visitor per day | All visitors within the marine reserve boundary | No direct fee; access is by licensed charter operators or private vessels following DOC rules | There is no entry ticket for the reserve, but strict rules apply: no fishing or collecting, no feeding fish, no discharge of waste and no landing on the islands. Heavy penalties can apply for breaches, including confiscation of gear and substantial fines. |
| Scuba or snorkel day charter | NZD $250-$350 per person Per person per day (two dive or mixed activity charter) | Scuba divers, snorkelers and non divers joining boat trips | Directly from operators such as Dive! Tutukaka, Yukon Dive, Divenow and other Northland providers | Rates vary with season, inclusions (gear hire, lunch, guiding, nitrox) and boat type. Multi day bookings, club trips and off season dates sometimes attract discounts. Always confirm what certifications, recent dives and medical declarations are required. |
Fee
Per eligible international visitor per visit
The IVL funds tourism infrastructure and conservation projects across New Zealand, including DOC managed sites. Check official sources for current rates and exemptions, as the levy has been under review and amounts may change.
Typically valid for 2 years for multiple entries
You must hold an approved NZeTA before boarding your flight or cruise if it is required for your nationality. Apply several days before travel and be cautious of unofficial visa websites charging extra service fees.
Per vessel or visitor per day
There is no entry ticket for the reserve, but strict rules apply: no fishing or collecting, no feeding fish, no discharge of waste and no landing on the islands. Heavy penalties can apply for breaches, including confiscation of gear and substantial fines.
Per person per day (two dive or mixed activity charter)
Rates vary with season, inclusions (gear hire, lunch, guiding, nitrox) and boat type. Multi day bookings, club trips and off season dates sometimes attract discounts. Always confirm what certifications, recent dives and medical declarations are required.
