Beijing › Xi'an › Shanghai
China Discovery — Golden China
FromFrom NZD $4,999 per person pp
Discover MoreCurated, luxury journeys designed in New Zealand for discerning travellers — small groups and genuinely tailor-made.
Trusted by 10,000+ Kiwi travellers
Licensed NZ specialists — Auckland since 2000, backed by CTS (founded 1928)· No forced shopping stops· Payment protected
The journeys our specialists are recommending right now — fully escorted from New Zealand, with guaranteed departures.
Beijing › Xi'an › Shanghai
Departing from the South Island
No need to connect through Auckland. This festive departure leaves direct from Christchurch, so South Island travellers start the trip at their own airport.
Christchurch direct15 Days · Discovery · Departs 22 December 2026
A 15-day festive journey departing direct from Christchurch through China's greatest icons — Christmas markets and skyline views in Shanghai, New Year's Eve celebrations in ancient Xi'an, the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors and futuristic Chongqing.
Confirmed dates pulled live from each tour — never a stale page.
| Departs | Journey | Duration | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Sep 2026 | China Signature — Natural China (signature) | 16 Days | NZD $8,150 | View |
| 10 Sep 2026 | China Discovery — Colorful Yunnan (discovery) | 11 Days | NZD $3,899 per person | View |
| 14 Oct 2026 | China Discovery — Shanghai & Surroundings (discovery) | 10 Days | NZD $3,399 per person | View |
| 15 Oct 2026 | China Signature — Legacy of China (signature) | 17 Days | NZD $9,999 | View |
| 15 Oct 2026 | China Discovery — A Tale of Two Cities (discovery) | 10 Days | From NZD $3,480 | View |
| 16 Nov 2026 | China Discovery — Golden China (discovery) | 12 Days | From NZD $4,999 per person | View |
Baker Gu
Founder & Lead China Specialist
Read his story“For 20 years I've shown Kiwi travellers the China I grew up in — not the one in the brochures.”
Baker personally designs and quality-checks every CTS journey. When you enquire, you're not talking to a call centre — you're talking to the person who built the trip.
Speak to Baker — no obligation
For 25 years CTS Tours NZ has crafted (parent CTS Group in the industry since 1928) exceptional travel experiences, bridging New Zealand and the wonders of China.
Backed by CTS — China's travel brand since 1928 — with 25 years of Kiwi-led NZ operations in Chinese culture, logistics and hospitality.
Flexible itineraries customised down to the finest detail around your interests and pace.
TAANZ-bonded and IATA-accredited, so your investment is secure from the first deposit.
Talk directly with our Auckland-based team before, during and after your journey.
Real words from CTS travellers. Every review below is public on our Google Business profile, quoted word for word.
“The china journey was well‑organized, I actually enjoyed all the moments without worrying about anything. Highly recommend the tour of tale of two cities china”
“We went on a recent trip to Dali and Lijiang from 19th to 30th May 2026. Well, what amazing places they are. Plus the nearby city of Shangrila. We both had an amazing time walking and exploring with only our phone app to translate, since little or no English was spoken or written. Contrary to what the Lonely Planet guidebook said! Everything worked out well which is why we want to thank Baker at CTS personally for an awesome trip, the trip of a lifetime. If any other tours, guided or unguided come up please let us know. This is Mikes second time holidaying with CTS and we will certainly highly recommend your company to friends. Mike Brooker & Cherie Fairley”
“Just came back from a tour of Xinjiang and a stopover in Xian. We had a fantastic time, the culture and scenery in Xinjiang is stunning and the tour was led by an experienced guide with excellent English. Highly recommended.”
“We did the Tale of 2 Cities in November 2025. We were kept really busy with informative guides and just so much to see. Amazed all dietry requirements of group met. A group tour that exceeded all expectation. We will do another for real.”
“We had our China holiday planned by CTS tours. Communication was great and the tour itself was amazing. Everything was so well run and the tour guides in each city were great. The accommodation they chose and the preplanned meals organized were stand outs. Would definitely use again to organise future trips”
“Had a great time on China - Discovery Tour. Tour guides national and local were amazing. Really enjoyed Billy's sense of humour. Loved the genuinely friendly nature of the Chinese people. Shanghai night boat cruise and climbing the Great wall were standouts. Going to the night shows on offer is most worthwhile. Accommodation and food were of a very high standard. Glad I went as it was exceptional value for money and the experience was amazing. Much achieved in a short time. Highly recommended.”
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