Once considered a destination for the most seasoned of travellers, over the last few years this diverse and fascinating country has become one of the most talked about holiday options for New Zealanders looking for something exciting, totally different and surprisingly accessible.
Getting there – it’s easier than you think
For South Islanders in particular, China is easier to reach than many realise. Direct seasonal flights are available from Christchurch to Ganzhou with China Southern, and there are many direct flight options to Beijing and Shanghai when connecting via Auckland. Compared to long haul European journeys, getting to China is relatively straightforward, and importantly for many travellers right now, it avoids transiting through the Middle East.
Perhaps one of the biggest drivers behind the renewed interest in China is visa-free access for New Zealand passport holders, which has been in place since late 2024. Removing the need for complex visa applications and embassy visits has undoubtedly made China a more appealing destination for explorers. With just a simple and quick-to-complete electronic pre arrival card to fill in before departure, entering China is easy, efficient and stress-free.
Always a surprise – the good kind
“People are rediscovering just how easy China is to travel to now,” says Paul Dymond, Managing Director of Wendy Wu Tours New Zealand.
“There’s been a real shift in perception. Kiwis are looking for destinations that offer incredible experiences, good value and a sense of adventure, and China delivers all of that in one trip. Our customers are consistently surprised by how modern, efficient and welcoming it is. It’s a real joy to see them return from their tour with their preconceptions blown out of the water.”
Safety is another factor helping boost confidence. Crime rates are very low in China, and its often listed as one of the safest countries in the world. Major cities are clean, organised and technologically advanced, while guided touring removes much of the stress that travellers can sometimes feel about navigating language barriers independently.
Value for money also plays a major role. With the current position of the New Zealand dollar, destinations like the USA and Europe remain expensive for Kiwis. However, New Zealand travellers in China are finding that their spending power goes a lot further. High-quality hotels, domestic flights, fast trains and exceptional food experiences can all be enjoyed at a comparatively reasonable cost. For many New Zealanders balancing rising living costs with a desire to travel, that combination is appealing.
Where technology and tradition meet
Then there’s the sheer diversity of experiences on offer.
China is not a destination that can easily be summed up in a single image. One day travellers can be standing atop the Great Wall near Beijing, the next drifting past limestone karsts on the Li River near Guilin. Ancient imperial cities sit alongside futuristic skylines, while centuries-old traditions continue to thrive amid ultra-modern urban life.
For food lovers, the regional diversity is another major drawcard. From fiery Sichuan cuisine in Chongqing to delicate dumplings in Xian and bustling street food markets in Shanghai, travelling through China is as much about tasting the country as seeing it.
The rise of social media has also helped reshape perceptions of China. Viral videos showcasing Chongqing’s neon-lit ‘cyberpunk’ skyline, dramatic Zhangjiajie mountain landscapes and ultra-modern bullet trains have sparked curiosity among younger travellers and retirees alike.
Explore with the experts at Wendy Wu Tours
In response to growing demand, Wendy Wu Tours New Zealand has launched its new and already popular China Uncovered tour, a 21-day fully inclusive journey showcasing many of the country’s most iconic highlights.
Having specialised in China for more than 25 years, Wendy Wu Tours has built a reputation as one of the leading experts in travel to the region, taking thousands of travellers deep into the heart of the country and continually evolving its itineraries alongside modern China itself.
The China Uncovered itinerary spans Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing, a Yangtze River cruise, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai, combining historic landmarks with contemporary China. Travellers can walk the Great Wall, see giant pandas, cruise through the Three Gorges and explore the towering sandstone peaks that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
According to Dymond, one of the biggest surprises for returning travellers is how dramatically China has evolved.
“People often come home saying China was nothing like they expected - in the best possible way,” he says. “The infrastructure, the scenery, the hospitality and the pace of development are extraordinary. It’s a destination that genuinely leaves people amazed.”
As New Zealanders continue looking beyond traditional holiday hotspots, China is increasingly ticking all the boxes: easy access, cultural depth, excellent value and unforgettable experiences. For many travellers, it’s no longer a ‘maybe one day’ destination, it’s becoming the trip they want to take next.
