FMC feedback on DOC trialing car park charges on the West Coast

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced proposals to trial car park charges at Dolomite Point (Punakaiki) and Franz Josef from October 2025 until June 2026, with a view to possibly extending this initiative to other locations in the future.

FMC has provided feedback on the pricing proposals. While DOC has already decided to implement charging, the proposed fee structure appears reasonable, including for locals as well as regular users from further afield. The pilots will also be useful in showing whether charging is genuinely revenue-positive once capital, operational, and enforcement costs are considered.

In our feedback, FMC emphasised several key points. Conservation volunteers must not pay to park. Volunteers give their own time and resources to support DOC, and should be issued permits for their vehicles without charge. DOC needs to have a flexible and prompt permit system in place.

Clear communication will be the key. Regular and long-term car park users need advance notice of changes. We suggest several ways to strengthen DOC’s communications plan so our communities are kept well informed. 

FMC will continue to engage with DOC to ensure that access to public conservation land is managed in a way that is fair, transparent, and supportive of both visitors and volunteers.