HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned of a looming tourist tax that will see the existing levy raised by 65 percent with the hope of deterring visitors.

The New Zealand government announced in a statement on Tuesday that it has plans to hike up international visitor and conservation fees to force visitors to “contribute to public services”.

1

Frequent flyers will need to remember to set aside their savings to ensure they’re not left short for the nation’s entry fee.

Currently, those landing into one of the five international airports across the Māori and English speaking islands contribute NZ$35 towards the “high-quality experiences while visiting”.

However, the government’s announcement confirms that prices will see a 65 percent elevation.

From October 1, tourists will face a NZ$100 tourism fee.

Those boarding from Australia and most Pacific nations will not have to pay the levy which is equivalent to just under £50.

Despite hiking up the cost of the fee, the Tourism Industry Association has confidence that the number of those heading to traverse, bungee or enjoy the incredible scenery on offer will remain consistent.

However, the association’s chief executive, Rebecca Ingram, said: “New Zealand’s tourism recovery [from the Covid-19 pandemic] is falling behind the rest of the world, and this will further dent our global competitiveness.”

The government has backed the decision by suggesting the fee was competitive and would not put tourists off the destination.

Tourism minister, Matt Doocey, explained that the levy was necessary to ensure “international visitors contribute to high-value conservation areas and projects, such as supporting biodiversity in national parks.”

Last year, more than 3.2 million tourists headed to the nation known for offering thrill-seekers ample dare-devil experiences alongside wineries, Hobbiton set tours, active volcanoes and even the Fergburger – if you know, you know.

However, data from Stats NZ last week revealed that visitor numbers are only around 80% of the level before the border closed for the pandemic.

NZ Airports chief executive, Billie Moore, said: “It is a triple-whammy for our sector, which is trying to work hard for New Zealand’s economic recovery.”

AN AWARD-WINNING attraction in Devon is home to the country’s highest man-made waterfall, Lady Exmouth Falls.

Located in Dartmoor National Park, Canonteign Falls has been named a hidden gem by local travel expert, Alex Gwillim, from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.

2

He said: “Canonteign Falls is a beautiful natural attraction located in the heart of Devon, home to the South West’s highest waterfall.

“If you want to go for a peaceful walk, it’s the perfect location to venture past the waterfalls and lakes, or through the fern gardens and woodlands.”

Despite its name, Canonteign Falls is a set of two waterfalls, Natural Falls and Lady Exmouth Falls.

Lady Exmouth Falls was commissioned by Lady Susan, who was the wife of the third Lord Exmouth.

The aristocrats wanted to build the waterfall to help keep the miners in work following the end of the mining boom in the 1880s.

The former miners worked to divert the leat course, which had previously provided water for the sawmill and the mines, over the nearby rock formations to create the country’s highest man-made waterfall.

Stretching for more than 70 metres, Lady Exmouth Falls still attracts visitors to this day.

To reach the top of the waterfall, visitors will journey through the history of Canonteign Falls, passing the site of the old sawmill and its woodland.

Once at the top of the waterfall, holidaymakers can continue the climb upwards following a set of 90 Victorian steps, which lead to a Fern Garden.

On this route, visitors will cross the bridge at Devil’s Leap, the site of the Natural Falls, before emerging at the viewing platform at the very top of the valley.

Aside from the waterfalls, there are plenty of other attractions to keep families entertained, including a Bee Garden and the old Orchard.

Canonteign Falls is also home to seven lakes, one of those being Swan Lake, which is home to a bevy of black swans.

There’s also a children’s play area on site with a huge wooden galleon, a climbing wall, slide pole and rope ladders.

A climbing frame, a set of swings and two trampolines can also be found in the children’s play area.

Other attractions include a zip wire and a mini assault course.

Canonteign Falls has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4.5/5 star rating from nearly 900 reviews.

One person wrote: “A really beautiful place to explore. The waterfalls are spectacular and the ferns make the place really atmospheric.”

While another added: “Such a beautiful, relaxing, place with lots of little hidden gems to discover around the lakes.”

Entry tickets cost £11.75 for a full-paying adult and £8.50 for children.

OTHER UK WATERFALLS

There are several other hidden waterfalls that can be found throughout the UK, including Batman Falls and Hardraw Force.

Batman falls

Film buffs might not know it, but a piece of Hollywood history can be found in a deep gorge in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.

The falls are known as “Batman’s Waterfall” after they featured in Christopher Nolan’s hit film The Dark Knight Rises.

Henrhyd Falls is where people can find the caped crusader’s hidden cave.

Hardraw Force

Gayle Beck is found near the confluence of the River Ure and gushes through the streets of Hawes, a tiny market town in the Yorkshire Dales.

It leads to Hardraw Force, one of the most visited spots in the area and one of the country’s biggest waterfalls.

Tumbling more than 100ft, the falls are located behind the Green Dragon Inn, a tavern that has been in its current location since the 13th century.

A northern county made the “world’s best places to visit in 2024” thanks to its great beaches, lavender fields, and dark skies.

And here’s the British national park that’s the best place to see the Northern Lights in the UK.

2

Advertisement

A POPULAR TV presenter has revealed the key hotel habits she swears by to avoid getting sick on her travels.

Catriona Rowntree, 53, is a seasoned traveller having presented Australia’s Getaway for 27 years but has now revealed her top hotel hacks she swears by.

3

3

Advertisement

One of her key tips is how to avoid getting sick when staying overseas – and that’s to turn off the air-con “immediately” in order to avoid catching a cold.

She also told Escape that you should never drink the water.

Catriona also recommended the best time to travel was in the shoulder season – the period between high season and off-season.

For anyone wanting a more authentic experience while abroad the TV personality recommended using a local travel concierge.

If you don’t want to get hit in the wallet, always avoid the mini bar as they’re always overpriced.

Catriona also recommended taking a little sample of your favourite coffee or tea with you.

She also said to always be nice to whoever is checking you in as “a genuine smile and kindness is always rewarded”.

A quirky tip she also revealed was to take an egg cup from home if you like a boiled egg because “no one ever seems to supply them”.

Another useful tip was to photograph where you parked the car at the airport as “I guarantee you’ll return pooped and forget where you left it”.

Catriona also had advice for those going on a cruise.

She recommended booking a salon treatment the moment you get on board so you can get all the “location goss” from the beautician.

The Getaway star also said to never take candles or hair straighteners/tongs on a cruise ship.

Catriona also revealed the three essential items she always took with her on her holidays.

Firstly, she always packed a pair of earplugs as she said she was always wakened by bumps in in the night.

Another thing she always had with her was a wool scarf, which she said could serve a number of purposes, from keeping her warm on flights, to covering her hair and shoulders if she went to visit a religious site and also to use as a cover for her pillow if she was staying at a “dodgy hotel”.

The third item was a shower cap as she said not every hotel had them.

Not only does it keep your hair dry but she used them to cover her shoes if they go dirty.

Not only that but they were also ideal for wrapping her “wet cozzie in” having gone for that last holiday swim.

Catriona also shared her top tips for flying long haul.

She said that she always dresses in layers and never wore a belt in order to stay comfortable.

The experienced travellers also said she used packet wipes to remove any makeup, so she could do it sat in her sea.

She also advised to try to watch a film made in the country she was going to.

A quirky thing she revealed was that she never touched alcohol whilst watching a sad movie on a plane.

Catriona said: “The low air pressure and high altitude make me cry like a baby.

“Consider yourself lucky you weren’t sitting next to me when I watched Bridges over Madison County, when drinking a red vino. SO embarrassing.”

3