The Government says it's charting a course towards more growth on conservation land. 

It's upped entry fees to $40 dollars for overseas visitors looking to visit areas like Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing and Aoraki Mount Cook. 

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says there was demand from Kiwis to charge foreign tourists.

"Not only that, some recent international visitor surveys also suggested international visitors are prepared to pay the charges - as they are in a variety of places...I don't think it's new for international tourists." 

LISTEN ABOVE

• Foreign tourists to face up to $40 charge to visit DoC walks and sites