New Tauranga toll point approved despite public opposition and rising costs

A new toll point is set to appear on the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) near the recently opened Pāpāmoa East Interchange. The change follows four years of construction and a decision by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to introduce additional charges for motorists. Drivers will soon face extra costs when travelling between Domain Rd and the interchange, though tolls remain suspended until late 2026. The Pāpāmoa East Interchange opened around Easter 2024, linking Te Okuroa Drive to State Highway 2. Its completion marked the end of a construction phase that began in 2020. NZTA now plans to add a second tolling point between Domain Rd and the new interchange, following a recommendation from its board and approval by the Minister of Transport.

Public consultation on the proposal drew 3,429 submissions, but support for the new tolls remained low. Despite this, the agency moved forward with the plan. Once active, light vehicles will pay $1.10, while heavy vehicles will be charged $2.80 for the stretch between Domain Rd and Pāpāmoa East. For those driving the full length of the TEL, costs will rise to $2.30 for light vehicles and $5.60 for heavy ones. Since the toll road opened in 2015, it has collected around $79 million in revenue. Of this, $53 million has gone towards repaying debt and interest. The toll-free period, however, will continue until late 2026.

The new tolling point will take effect after the current toll-free period ends. Motorists using the TEL will then face higher charges, depending on their route and vehicle type. The decision follows years of construction and financial planning by NZTA.