Fees · Destination Guide
Cold-water kelp forests, a no-take marine reserve, and Great Walk wilderness in New Zealand's Deep South
Key fee: Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy
NZ$7.50 inbound + NZ$7.50 outbound (approved operators); NZ$15 freedom travellers
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 21 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Stewart Island has a local visitor levy and New Zealand has a national conservation and tourism levy for many international arrivals. On top of that, hiking the Rakiura Track requires paid, bookable huts or campsites. There is no general marine-park tag to enter the water, but the Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve has strict no-take rules.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy | NZ$7.50 inbound + NZ$7.50 outbound (approved operators); NZ$15 freedom travellers |
per arrival/departure
| Most short-stay visitors age 18+ (exemptions apply) |
| Where to pay |
Southland District Council lists exemptions including residents, people under 18, visitors staying 21+ days, and some visits entirely within Rakiura National Park. Check the latest rules if your trip is unusual (charter vessel, long stay, or special access). |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) | NZ$100 per NZeTA or visa application (when applicable) | Most international visitors to New Zealand (some exemptions apply) | Where to pay | The IVL is a national levy separate from Stewart Island's local visitor levy. Requirements depend on passport and visa status, so confirm at the time you apply. |
| DOC Rakiura Track hut bookings | NZ$31-66 per adult per night (season and residency dependent) per person, per night (max 2 nights per hut) | Hikers staying in Port William Hut and North Arm Hut | Where to pay | Adult rates vary by season and whether you qualify for New Zealand resident pricing. Bookings are required year-round; you can be turned away if you arrive without a valid booking. |
| DOC Rakiura Track campsite bookings | NZ$6-28 per person per night (season and residency dependent) per person, per night | Hikers camping at designated Rakiura Track campsites | Where to pay | Campsites are separate from huts and do not include hut facilities. Book in advance and camp only at designated sites. |
Fee
per arrival/departure
Southland District Council lists exemptions including residents, people under 18, visitors staying 21+ days, and some visits entirely within Rakiura National Park. Check the latest rules if your trip is unusual (charter vessel, long stay, or special access).
per NZeTA or visa application (when applicable)
The IVL is a national levy separate from Stewart Island's local visitor levy. Requirements depend on passport and visa status, so confirm at the time you apply.
per person, per night (max 2 nights per hut)
Adult rates vary by season and whether you qualify for New Zealand resident pricing. Bookings are required year-round; you can be turned away if you arrive without a valid booking.
per person, per night
Campsites are separate from huts and do not include hut facilities. Book in advance and camp only at designated sites.