Information for Commercial Operators
The Macetown Rd Managed Access System, including a locked gate, a CCTV camera system with remote monitoring and number plate recognition capability, and an online permit system, became operational from 1st April 2026.
The permit system will send a padlock code for the locked gate with the permit by email.
Commercial Operators, and their personnel and vehicles, may be eligible for an annual Commercial Operator Access Permit, provided they have existing authority to operate on Macetown Road including:
- A concession from the Department of Conservation; and
- A recreation permit from Land Information New Zealand.
If you meet the above criteria and wish to discuss obtaining a Commercial Operator permit, please send an email to [email protected] with your name and details of your organisation. You will be contacted to discuss the nature and scale of your operation and the commercial fees that will apply.
Once a commercial agreement has been completed, you will be invited to register on the permit system and will need to obtain a permit for each time you access Macetown Road. There will be no additional fees for each trip permit.
For the first year, the annual permit will start from the date of payment and continue to 31 March 2027. There will be no charge for the period between payment and 31 March 2026.
Once registered on the online permit system, an administrator will assign Commercial Operator access permits with no additional fees to your organisation administrator profile(s).
Using the Permit System
As the gate code will change frequently, you must use the online permit system each time you wish to drive past the locked gate to obtain the current gate code.
Permits can be applied for online in advance or on the day of travel at https://permit.nzfwda.org.nz or by using the QR code displayed on signage on the track. There are two signs: one at the start of the track and a second approximately 500 metres into the track.
To gain a permit with no additional charge, you will need to log in to the permit system, complete the requested details, and submit the application. The application form is abbreviated and some fields may be pre‑populated from your organisation’s profile to speed up the process.
For advance permits, the gate code will be sent to your email within 24 hours of your stated start date and time. For same‑day permits, the gate code will be sent shortly after you submit the request.
At the Gate
At the gate, you must unlock the combination padlock using the gate code provided. After passing through the gate, you must close the gate and lock the padlock, turning the combination dials away from the current gate code numbers.
Gate codes must be kept confidential. Permit holders must not share gate codes or allow other vehicles or motorcycles to follow them through the gate.
Contact us: [email protected]