China is an important visitor market, Tourism New Zealand is focused on attracting high quality visitors who contribute positively to New Zealand’s nature, culture, society and economy. Chinese visitors support this by visiting in the off-peak, visiting a range of regions and undertaking a range of activity including cultural experiences. 

Visitation from China has been gradual with those first to visit coming to reconnect with family and friends. 

“Global competition for visitors is fierce and New Zealand needs to work hard to showcase our unique offering to attract high-quality international visitors,” says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy. 

Today, Tourism New Zealand and China Southern Airlines jointly announced the reinstatement of the Guangzhou - Christchurch route and the addition of more flight capacity between Guangzhou and Auckland.  

 Starting from November 2023, China Southern Airlines plan to resume its Guangzhou - Christchurch route and add three additional weekly flights between Guangzhou and Auckland from November. The new services will enable Chinese travellers to visit New Zealand more easily including a direct link to the South Island. 

“Not only are these flights a great opportunity for the recovery of an important part of our international visitor mix, the addition of these flights provides increased opportunities for New Zealanders,” says René. 

Industry and encouraged to utilise our insights about the market and what Chinese consumers are looking for and expect to attract and cater to this important market.