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The days of free parking at Goat Island Marine Reserve look set to end with the Department of Conservation revealing plans to charge visitors.
A camera-based system will be in place from December 1 this year, just in time for the peak season when the bulk of the annual 300,000 visitors flock to the reserve.
Although DoC says it wants people’s views, it has laid out charges at $2.50 for every 30 minutes, around $40 for an eight-hour day at the popular spot.
Locals in a tight area around the reserve will be able to buy a $10 annual pass, and commercial tour operators will get concession permits.
“Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island is New Zealand’s first marine reserve and is one of the most popular sites in the North Island. It has amazing biodiversity, wonderful snorkelling experiences and offers outstanding marine experiences in a stunning natural environment,” says DoC.
It adds paid parking will improve the visitor experience, manage congestion and encourage turnover of the limited car parks.
But one few people who live near the site, Daniel Rowntree, says the plan to reduce congestion may just move that to surrounding roads and grass verges as people try to avoid what he says is a steep charge.
And he warned that introducing parking charges at Goat Island could be the start of a slippery slope.
“Where does this lead to? I think it leads to Tawharanui (another DoC car parking area) being next.
“I’ve lived here all my life and it’s a remarkable beauty spot, something that everyone should have free access.
“They’re saying only $2.50 a half hour, so just call it $5 an hour. That’s Auckland pricing and it means if you want a day or a few hours at the beach it’s $20, $40.
DoC says legislation allows it to charge users fair and reasonable fees to use facilities, which includes campsites, backcountry huts and car parks. Facility charges are not access charges.
Public feedback on both the boundary and the wider pricing proposal can be submitted by email to goatislandpaidparking@doc.govt.nz. Feedback closes on 9 September 2026, with DOC expecting to confirm the final pricing structure in October 2026.
