A new tourist levy is helping the Southland District Council understand how many people visit Stewart Island.

A $5 visitor levy was brought in from October last year.

Since then 26,000 people have visited, contributing more than $100,000 to the local economy.

So far two projects have benefited from the extra cash.

Strategy and policy manager at the Southland District Council, Susan Cuthbert says, as well getting more money, it also gives them a better idea about visitor numbers.

"Well this is the first year we've got a real idea of how many visitors actually go to the island."

She says they've replaced a jetty and upgraded one of the island's well used tracks.