New Zealand to Benefit from Increased Chinese Tourism with Visa-Free Travel from Australia

New Zealand's Tourism sector is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement that Chinese visitors can now travel visa-free from Australia to New Zealand, a move that is expected to increase the number of tourists visiting the country each year. According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, China is New Zealand's third-largest tourism market, with nearly 250,000 arrivals in the year ending July 2025. With the changes in visa requirements, it is anticipated that up to 50,000 additional visitors may now come each year, making it easier and cheaper for Chinese tourists to plan their trips to New Zealand.

Key Takeaways:

• The Government has removed the need for Chinese visitors to apply for a visitor visa from Australia to visit New Zealand, making it easier and cheaper for them to travel to the country.
• This change is expected to increase the number of tourists visiting New Zealand each year, particularly from China, which is the country's third-largest tourism market.
• Nearly 250,000 Chinese tourists visited New Zealand in the year ending July 2025, and up to 50,000 additional visitors are expected as a result of this change.
• The visa processing time for Chinese tourists has been reduced, and certified translations are no longer required for visitor visa documents.
• The Government remains committed to supporting the regions and local businesses through tourism, with a focus on regional growth and development.
• The tourism sector in New Zealand is a key driver of regional growth, and the Government is committed to supporting the industry through initiatives such as this visa change.

Statistics:

• 250,000: The number of Chinese tourists that visited New Zealand in the year ending July 2025.
• 50,000: The estimated number of additional Chinese tourists that may visit New Zealand each year as a result of this visa change.
• 4 days: The average speed of visa processing for Chinese tourists.
• 500,000: Number of tourists expected to visit New Zealand each year, boosted by this visa change.

Sources:

• Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration
• Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism & Hospitality
• Tourism, New Zealand
• Note from the press release: The change today means that people from China will be able to visit New Zealand from Australia without needing to apply for a visitor visa. If they hold an eligible Australian visa, they will be able to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.