Transport Minister Steven Joyce is dismissing the possibility of tolling motorists up to $8 a trip to use a new Auckland Harbour crossing.
Authorities say a new crossing is needed in 20 years, with tunnel or bridge options being discussed.
A Transport Agency report says the project could be entirely paid for by tolls, but that would cost $6 - $8 per trip.
Mr Joyce says he would not necessarily support that rate of tolling, describing it as alarmist.
He says any such project is likely to be funded by some kind of mix of user pays, ratepayers money and tolls, but it will be years before decisions are made.
