KEY POINTS:
New Zealanders will soon be able to enter the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for free for the first time in more than 70 years but foreigners will pay more for access to the historic grounds.
While it's common overseas for locals to pay different amounts to visitors to get
into attractions the Treaty Grounds decision is believed to be a New Zealand-first.
There is currently a $12 charge for both New Zealand and foreign tourists.
Waitangi National Trust Board Chairman Jeremy Williams said it could be seen as a radical move but he didn't expect the changes would be received unfavourably by foreigners.
"If you look at how much you pay to get into the Empire State building or Stonehenge then [$12] is a joke," Mr Williams said.
About 25,000 New Zealanders visited the Treaty Grounds last year, making up 20 per cent of total visitor numbers.
"It's been in our strategic plan for a number of years to provide free entry for all New Zealanders.
"I'm proud that we are able to make this important gesture as an independent board without Government funding or other intervention," he said.
It was now earning enough from foreign tourists and other sources to allow the $12 fee to be removed but could not do it immediately because of existing deals with tourist operators.
It was intended to scrap the entry fee by October 1 next year.
"We think of it as a gift to all New Zealanders, one that can be enjoyed by New Zealanders for many generations."
The price foreign tourists would pay will increase but the amount of the increase wouldn't be known until early next year.
More than a quarter of a million dollars of revenue will be lost when the entry fee for locals is removed but Mr Williams told reporters the trust would "more than make up the difference".
An ambitious building programme that includes a new $14.5 million visitor centre and more things to do would hopefully attract more international guests.
"There will be increased things to do at the estate ... guided tours, concerts and flax weaving.
"With more visitors and a new visitor centre, we'll have a real focus point."
The Treaty Grounds was gifted to the country in 1932 by Lord Bledisloe who intended it to be held in trust forever.
"It was their vision that the estate be self-sufficient so that its administration and management would not be a burden on the taxpayer," Mr Williams said.
