Department of Conservation to Hike Fees to Visit Sub-Antarctic Islands

By Mary Argue | 10 August 2025

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is set to significantly increase the cost of visiting the sub-Antarctic islands, marking the first major fee adjustment in over a decade. This move, aimed at recovering the high costs of managing these remote and ecologically sensitive areas, has sent ripples through the tourism industry.

Currently, around 1,500 tourists visit the islands each year, with most traveling via one of six licensed cruise operators. Under the proposed changes, the Visitor Impact Management (VIM) fee, which is currently $405 per tourist (excluding GST), is expected to rise to over $1,000 by the 2027/28 season. Additionally, the concession activity fee, which is currently $30 per person, is set to increase to $171—a more than fivefold jump.

The increases were recommended following an independent review of the sub-Antarctic entry permit and concession fees. The review concluded that the current fees were not adequately reflecting market value or covering the full costs of managing tourism in these areas. DOC approved the proposed increases on 30 June 2025.

According to DOC, the VIM fee will be directly allocated to managing the sub-Antarctic islands, while the concession fee will support general track and hut maintenance, as well as pest control. The review estimated that the annual cost of managing these islands is approximately $6.4 million, with the VIM fee currently covering about $1.5 million of that cost.

While the proposed increases are intended to ensure sustainable management of these unique ecosystems, they have come as a surprise to some operators. Aaron Russ, commercial director of Heritage Expeditions, a long-standing tourism operator, expressed concern over the short notice and the steep increase. He noted that voyages are typically scheduled 2 to 3 years in advance, making the timing of the announcement particularly challenging.

Russ emphasized that the company has already communicated the changes to customers and is collecting the fees on DOC's behalf. However, he stressed the need for further discussions with DOC to understand the allocation of funds and the long-term implications of the fee increases.

DOC acknowledged the significant impact the new fees could have on operators and said it would be essential to engage with them further. Meanwhile, concessionaires have already begun pricing and advertising trips for the 2026/27 season, despite the uncertainty surrounding the new fees.

As the tourism industry grapples with these changes, the question remains: will these increased fees help protect the fragile ecosystems of the sub-Antarctic islands, or will they place an undue burden on operators and visitors alike?