Big news for Chinese travelers! Starting November 2025, Chinese tourists holding valid Australian visas (visitor, work, student, or family) can enter New Zealand visa-free, as long as they have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

This 12-month trial aims to boost tourism and trade, with over 240,000 Chinese visitor visas already granted in 2024. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the goal is to make travel to New Zealand easier, faster, and cheaper for Chinese nationals.

But heads up, transit travelers through Australia aren’t included. The government is also improving visa processing and support services to strengthen ties with China, one of New Zealand’s biggest tourism markets.