New Zealand welcomes more Chinese tourists with new visa-free travel pathway via Australia

When travel becomes simpler, tourism flourishes and New Zealand is preparing to welcome a new wave of visitors thanks to an important policy change. The Government has announced that Chinese tourists can now travel visa-free from Australia to New Zealand, opening up a new gateway for travellers and a major boost for the country’s tourism sector.

The announcement was made jointly by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism & Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, who described the move as a strategic step to strengthen New Zealand’s economy by encouraging more visitors to explore the country’s regions and support local businesses.

Tourism remains New Zealand’s second-largest export industry, providing important income as well as employment across the nation. China is now the third biggest source of tourists, with about 250,000 people visiting in July 2025. No, with this new arrangement, an additional 50,000 Chinese tourists can now visit each year, significantly increasing tourism flows and economic benefits.

Visa-free travel for Chinese visitors creates new opportunities

Minister Erica Stanford said the new visa setting would make it easier, quicker and more affordable for Chinese visitors to experience what New Zealand has to offer. “This change removes barriers and helps more people discover the incredible destinations, culture and hospitality that define New Zealand,” she explained.

The Government has already made several improvements to streamline travel from China. Certified translations are no longer needed for visitor visa applications and the time taken to process visa applications has visibly reduced to an average of four days, allowing holidaymakers to plan with great flexibility.

Minister Louise Upston added that the simplified process and easier travel across the Tasman will encourage more Chinese tourists to include New Zealand in their travel itineraries. “This is fantastic news for Chinese visitors and for communities right across the country,” she said.

“It will help strengthen our regions, support tourism operators and build stronger connections between families, friends and businesses.”

Beyond the direct tourism gains, the initiative is expected to reinforce trade and cultural relationships among New Zealand, Australia and China. By allowing smoother movement, it promotes a more deeper cooperation and shared economic growth while highlighting New Zealand’s landscapes and its own cultural identity.

In the end, the visa-free policy highlights New Zealand’s ongoing determination and commitment to making travel more easy, reconnecting with global markets and ensuring that every region benefits from tourism-led development. With the doors now open wider, more visitors will be able to experience the country’s spectacular natural beauty, thriving cities and the warm welcome that Kiwis are known for worldwide.