New Zealand will steeply increase an entry tax for foreign tourists in a move some fear could deter visitors.

From BBC, the cost of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will near triple to NZ$100 (£47.20) from NZ$35 (£16.52) from 1 October.

The government said this is to help economic growth and “ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand".

But Tourism Industry Aotearoa - the country's independent tourism body - says the higher fee is a barrier to visitors, making it "incredibly expensive to visit".