The Department of Conservation has confirmed the pricing for paid car parking at popular West Coast sites as part of a summer pilot program.

The car parks at Dolomite Point in Punakaiki and Franz Josef will introduce fees starting in December 2025.

The finalised pricing includes a free 20-minute period for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, or short stays. Beyond that, visitors will pay $5 per hour or a flat $20 for the full day.

Locals within the Buller, Grey, and Westland districts can get an annual pass for $10 per vehicle, offering unlimited access for the year. For other regular visitors outside those districts, an annual pass costs $60 per vehicle.

The pilot is expected to generate about $1 million in combined revenue over seven months, from December 2025 to June 2026.

Commercial tourism operators with a valid DOC concession can apply for a parking fee exemption throughout the pilot.

These measures aim to balance accessibility with funding for conservation.

DOC has selected Stellar to handle the parking hardware and services. The company will install payment machines and use cameras to monitor vehicle entry and exit.

After the trial, DOC will evaluate its benefits and decide on continuation or expansion to other sites.