Parking meters and app

You can download PayMyPark(external link) for free from the App Store(external link) or Google Play(external link). 

If you don't have a smartphone you can use the PayMyPark website(external link) to pay for parking. 

Using PayMyPark 

You can use PayMyPark as a casual user or set up an account. Benefits of being an account holder include: 

• use of the start-stop parking function, meaning you only pay for the time you've parked. 
• you don't pay the 50 cent transaction fee. Account-holders only pay when you transfer money to your PayMyPark account. 
• businesses can have one account for all staff members to use.

For more information, frequently asked questions or help on using the app, visit the PayMyPark webpage(external link). 

For business account set up information visit the PayMyPark organisation webpage(external link).

This means you don't need to return to your car to place a paper ticket on the dashboard after paying for your parking. 

Follow these four easy steps and you're on your way:

1. Enter your car's licence plate number into the meter.
2. Select how long you wish to park for up to the maximum available e.g P120 two hours.
3. Pay for parking with PayMyPark, cards (including contactless) or coins (some meters do not accept coins).
4. Press OK and select whether you want an e-receipt or not. 

For detailed step-by-step instructions follow our 'Using a paperless meter' guide below.

If you experience any issues with our pay by plate meters you can report a problem.

The majority of our paperless parking meters are located within the Central City within the perimeter of Bealey Ave, Madras Street, Moorhouse Ave, Rolleston Ave and Hagley Ave.

Helpful information

• If the OK button is not pressed within 20 seconds, this will cancel the transaction and your card will not be debited, or any inserted coins will be rejected. The only way a card can be debited is if you accept the transaction by pressing the "OK” button. This is your security that you are in control of the transaction at all times.
• Press the red cancel button button to cancel the transaction and re-enter your details if required.
• Press the ? help button to get instructions on how to make a payment or obtain an e-receipt.
• If you inaccurately enter your number plate you can cancel the session and start another one with the correct number plate number.
• Our enforcement officers need to be able to match your licence plate number with the transaction data so it is important that your details are correct.

Credit card or debit card

You can use your debit or credit card like usual. Want to save time? Use your contactless card– just tap your card onto the reader to make the payment.

PayMyPark parking app

You can pay for metered Council parking using the PayMyPark smartphone app(external link).

Download it at Google Play(external link) or the App Store(external link).

Coins

Some meters accept coins in the following denominations: $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c.

The rate for our on-street meters is $4.80 per hour.

Hoods/shrouds

A meter hood/shroud can be issued to tradespeople while working in the inner city. You can apply for a meter hood from Te Hononga Civic Offices(external link) between 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Parking meter hours

Each meter will display its operating hours/days and time limits.  note private companies may have different operating hours at their car parks.

Public holidays are free.

Check your remaining time

You can check if you still have any more time left by going to a parking meter and entering your number plate. It will then come up with a screen showing you how much time you have remaining.

Extend your time

You can extend your time if you have purchased a shorter time within the maximum period e.g if you purchase 1 hour at a 2 hour maximum meter you can extend your time by another hour. However, you will not be able to purchase more time than allowed in the particular payment area e.g if in 2 hour zone you can still only park up to 2 hours.

Please note, for credit/debit card payments the top-up amounts are only available in half-hour increments. 

Moving to a park with the same time limit

You can move your vehicle between meters of the same time period without having to pay again provided you still have time remaining.

You can also extend your session if moving within meters of the same period. E.g if you purchased 1 hour at a 2 hour maximum meter then moved your car to a different 2 hour meter you can extend your session by another hour or if your original time has expired you can start a new session with a maximum 2 hour period.

If you have time remaining on your coupon after parking at a meter, you can re-use the coupon at any other parking meter.  Provided the coupon has not been used previously, it can be used even if the year has expired.

Purchase parking coupons

Costs:

• 30-minute coupons (ten per book):  $24.00
• 60-minute coupons (ten per book):  $48.00.

Parking coupons cannot be purchased over the phone by credit card.

Coupons are sold by the book. Businesses can order coupon books if they have an account. The minimum order is five books.

Coupons can be ordered through Clive Morris, coupon supplier, by calling 03 941 8744 or emailing clive.morris@ccc.govt.nz.

You can also buy coupons from