New Visa-Free Travel for Chinese Tourists via Australia Set to Boost NZ Tourism
New Zealand’s tourism industry is poised for a major boost after the government announced visa-free travel for Chinese tourists entering via Australia.
Under the new policy revealed by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, Chinese citizens who already hold a valid Australian visa will no longer need to apply for a traditional New Zealand visitor visa.
Instead, they can simply request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) — a cheaper and faster alternative to the standard visitor visa.
The NZeTA costs $17 and is typically processed within 72 hours, compared to the current $441 visitor visa which can take up to two weeks to approve.
A Major Tourism Boost
Stanford said the change would make New Zealand far more accessible to travellers from China, which remains the country’s third-largest tourism market.
“We anticipate that as many as 50,000 additional visitors may now come each year on holiday via Australia through these changes,” Stanford said.
“This visa setting will make it far easier and cheaper than ever for Chinese visitors to get here for a holiday to experience what New Zealand has to offer.”
According to the government, nearly 250,000 Chinese tourists visited New Zealand in the year ending July 2025. The new visa exemption is expected to significantly grow that number, especially as many Chinese travellers already visit Australia.
Strengthening Tourism and Regional Economies
Minister Louise Upston said the new arrangement will help both the tourism sector and regional economies, making New Zealand an easier and more attractive add-on destination for Chinese visitors.
“This change is fantastic news for both Chinese visitors looking to include New Zealand in their travel plans and for our tourism sector right across the country,” Upston said.
“Overseas tourists remain a key driver of regional growth. We’re committed to helping regions thrive by getting more travellers to New Zealand.”
Upston said simplifying travel between Australia and New Zealand would also strengthen family, business, and trade ties between the two nations and China.
“Making it easier for Chinese travellers to hop across the Tasman helps grow the economy, reconnects family and friends, and strengthens trade and business links.”
Tourism leaders have welcomed the move, saying it positions New Zealand as a more convenient destination for Asia-Pacific travellers in an increasingly competitive tourism market.