Tourism Infrastructure Fund
The Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) provides up to $25 million annually to develop tourism-related infrastructure that supports regions facing pressure from tourism growth.
On this page
About the fund
Tourism is hugely important to the New Zealand economy, and quality infrastructure and facilities help to ensure New Zealanders can continue to enjoy their own spaces — whether they are at home or visiting other parts of the country.
The Tourism Infrastructure Fund supports local communities facing pressure from tourism growth and in need of assistance — areas with high visitor numbers but small ratepayer bases, for example.
The fund aims to protect and enhance New Zealand’s reputation both domestically and internationally. Supporting robust infrastructure contributes to quality experiences for visitors, and maintains the social licence for the sector to operate.
New Zealand's regions and the tourism industry have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, particularly Kaikōura, Mackenzie, Queenstown Lakes, Fiordland, and South Westland districts.
Round Five of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund will ensure central Government support and investment in local government infrastructure can continue over this uncertain time, to help improve the visitor experience for New Zealanders, and international visitors when they return.
When to apply
Applications for Round 5 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund have now closed.
In this section
Eligibility and co-funding criteria
The Tourism Infrastructure Fund is open to councils, although some community organisations with council backing can apply.
Application and assessment process
We assess all applications to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund for eligibility and put through an independent financial assessment before being considered by a funding panel.
Tourism Infrastructure Fund panel
Applications to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund are reviewed by a panel of independent advisors, government and tourism sector representatives.
Round 5 funding recipients
Round 5 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund awarded funding to 57 projects with a total of $18,581,384 awarded in July 2021.
Round 4 funding recipients
Round 4 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund awarded funding to 36 applications with a total of $13,309,101 awarded in November 2019.
Round 3 funding recipients
Round 3 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund awarded funding to 40 applications with a total of $11,770,707 awarded in June 2019.
Round 2 funding recipients
Round 2 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund awarded funding to 45 applications with a total of $19,221,675 awarded in August 2018.
Round 1 funding recipients
Round 1 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund awarded funding to 33 applications with a total of $14,161,964 awarded in December 2017.
Evaluation of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Evaluation of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund undertaken in September 2019 by SageBush.
Allocation of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Rounds 1-4 (funding allocation by region)
| Region | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Grand Total |
| Bay of Plenty | $1,279,895 | $1,666,484 | $777,016 | $285,669 | $4,009,064 |
| Canterbury | $2,699,650 | $623,450 | $2,125,943 | $1,129,150 | $6,578,193 |
| Chatham Islands | $168,061 | $168,061 | |||
| Gisborne | $1,269,300 | $572,300 | $189,600 | $2,031,200 | |
| Hawke's Bay | $56,250 | $145,000 | $898,396 | $580,300 | $1,679,946 |
| Manawatu-Whanganui | $1,505,900 | $102,404 | $183,708 | $4,700,758 | $6,492,770 |
| Marlborough | $668,000 | $553,068 | $34,045 | $1,255,113 | |
| Nelson | $135,000 | $500,000 | $498,550 | $1,133,550 | |
| Northland | $229,000 | $2,235,484 | $1,653,000 | $4,278,398 | $8,395,882 |
| Otago | $2,778,278 | $1,993,423 | $558,250 | $5,329,951 | |
| Southland | $455,765 | $5,906,145 | $6,361,910 | ||
| Taranaki | $708,500 | $125,187 | $833,687 | ||
| Tasman | $335,000 | $10,000 | $320,000 | $665,000 | |
| Waikato | $1,704,330 | $3,027,393 | $2,596,553 | $583,134 | $7,911,410 |
| Wellington-Wairarapa | $223,470 | $100,000 | $323,470 | ||
| West Coast | $3,942,304 | $1,156,800 | $821,000 | $230,000 | $6,150,104 |
| Grand Total | $14,544,364 | $19,616,925 | $11,791,707 | $13,366,315 | $59,319,311 |
Tourism Infrastructure Fund (Rounds 1-4) and Responsible Camping Funding (Rounds 1-3)
Total funding allocation by region
Sum of MBIE Contribution (contract level)
| Region | TIF | Freedom camping | Grand total |
| Auckland | $0 | $453,840 | $453,840 |
| Bay of Plenty | $4,009,064 | $1,850,740 | $5,859,804 |
| Canterbury | $6,578,193 | $3,085,995 | $9,664,188 |
| Chatham Islands | $168,061 | $0 | $168,061 |
| Gisborne | $2,031,200 | $625,905 | $2,657,105 |
| Hawkes Bay | $1,679,946 | $804,138 | $2,484,084 |
| Manawatu-Whanganui | $6,492,770 | $353,539 | $6,846,309 |
| Marlborough | $1,255,113 | $607,210 | $1,862,323 |
| Nationwide | $0 | $1,268,550 | $1,268,550 |
| Nelson | $1,133,550 | $378,378 | $1,511,928 |
| Northland | $8,395,882 | $1,730,500 | $10,126,382 |
| Otago | $5,329,951 | $3,918,585 | $9,248,536 |
| Southland | $6,361,910 | $192,000 | $6,553,910 |
| Taranaki | $833,687 | $287,953 | $1,121,640 |
| Tasman | $665,000 | $722,267 | $1,387,267 |
| Waikato | $7,911,410 | $3,791,964 | $11,703,374 |
| Wellington | $323,470 | $411,757 | $735,227 |
| West Coast | $6,150,104 | $3,860,372 | $10,010,476 |
| Grand total | $59,319,311 | $24,343,693 | $83,663,004 |