Fees · Destination Guide
Stewart Island Rakiura New Zealand
Cold-water kelp forests, a no-take marine reserve, and Great Walk wilderness in New Zealand's Deep South
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
- Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy - NZ$7.50 inbound + NZ$7.50 outbound (approved operators); NZ$15 freedom travellers
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) - NZ$100
- Typical payment pattern: Stewart Island has a local visitor levy and New Zealand has a national conservation and tourism levy for many international arrivals.
What people usually pay
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. |