Southland District Council Stewart Island councillor Bruce Ford said the origins of the levy went back to 1978 when, as chairman of the then Stewart Island County Council, he took the idea to a county council conference where it received unanimous support.
Progress was slow until Invercargill MP Eric Roy sponsored a private member's bill called the Southland District Council (Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy) Empowering Bill which became law in March last year.
The levy would be welcomed by the island's 400 residents, Mr Ford said, as it would enable infrastructure such as walking tracks, footpaths and jetties to be upgraded.
"This is a momentous occasion. Many facilities need work, and [upgrading them] will make it a better experience for the visitors who are our bread and butter."
He said he did not believe visitors would begrudge the payment.
"No-one will even spot it if it is built into their fares."
• Payment of $5 for each visitor over the age of 18, including tradespeople and volunteers.
• Exemptions for children under 18; island residents and ratepayers and their immediate families; beneficiaries of the Rakiura Maori Trust; people visiting only the Rakiura National Park.
• Non-payment could result in fine of $250.