NZ passport holders: visit China visa-free for 30 days (until 31 Dec 2026).

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CTS Tours

China Tours from New Zealand

Kiwi-Led China itineraries 2026-27 · 10-18 days · Auckland & Christchurch departures

  • 25 years in NZ (parent CTS since 1928) of China-direct operations · Auckland & Christchurch departures
  • NZD pricing · small groups · visa-free options for many NZ travellers
  • November 2026 & March 2027 departures open — talk to us about availability
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100+ Years Heritage

Backed by CTS · Founded 1928

Auckland Local Office

Local Support When You Need It

Direct China Operations

No Middlemen, Best Value

50,000+ Happy Travelers

Trusted by Kiwi Families

Photos from the road

Scenes from the road

Photos shared with us by CTS travellers, plus one frame from our own China library. Each is credited for what it is — we don’t attach traveller quotes to them, because we can’t tell you who took which photo.

CTS traveller snapshot from the road

Shared by a CTS traveller

CTS traveller photo · share from China

Shared by a CTS traveller

CTS traveller snapshot · evening light in China

Shared by a CTS traveller

CTS traveller candid · group moment in China

Shared by a CTS traveller

CTS traveller photo · scene from the trip

Shared by a CTS traveller

Li River karst peaks with bamboo rafts

Guilin & Yangshuo

CTS photo library

4.4 from 12 Google reviews

What Kiwi travellers say

Three reviews from our Google Business profile, quoted word for word.

MA

Maryam Absh

Reviewed on Google · July 2026

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
Tour mentioned: tale of two cities
MM

Murray Middendorf

Reviewed on Google · June 2026

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.
Tour mentioned: Xinjiang
TA

Tessa A

Reviewed on Google · June 2026

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

Flagship China itineraries

Our most-booked routes from New Zealand — pick a starting point and our specialists will tailor dates, hotels, and add-ons around you.

Departing from the South Island

Fly direct from Christchurch

No need to connect through Auckland. This festive departure leaves direct from Christchurch, so South Island travellers start the trip at their own airport.

China Discovery — Christmas & New Year in China (Christchurch Departure)Christchurch direct

15 Days · Discovery · Departs 22 December 2026

China Discovery — Christmas & New Year in China (Christchurch Departure)

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.

FromNZD $6,188
View tour →

Explore Our Collections

CTS Tours NZ is New Zealand's dedicated China travel specialist — a TAANZ member and IATA-accredited agency, operating from Auckland since 2000 (25 years), backed by China Travel Service (founded 1928) which runs direct China operations. Our Auckland consultants design and operate every China holiday package and china trip in our collection.

We offer three distinct China tour packages to suit different budgets and travel styles: Signature (boutique 4–5 star hotels, small groups up to 16), Discovery (excellent-value escorted China travel packages with 3–4 star stays), and Stopover (2–4 day city breaks, perfect as an add-on to business travel or a taster before a longer trip).

New Zealand ordinary passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days — making booking a China holiday package faster and simpler than ever. Browse more than fifty curated itineraries below, or contact our Auckland team for a tailor-made china trip.

Browse our complete collection

All China Tours

China Signature — Silk Road
signature
Auckland — ShanghaiShanghai — Xi'anXi'an — Terracotta WarriorsXi'an — Free DayXi'an — Lanzhou

China Signature — Silk Road

Journey along China's ancient Silk Road from Xi'an to Urumqi across 18 days — exploring the Terracotta Warriors, Bingling Temple grottoes, colourful Danxia mountains, Mogao Caves, the Flaming Mountains, and Heavenly Lake.

18 DaysNZD $7,999
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China Signature — Legacy of China
signature
Auckland — BeijingBeijing — ArrivalBeijingBeijing — Xi'an

China Signature — Legacy of China

A 17-day journey through China's greatest imperial and cultural treasures — from Beijing's Forbidden City and the Great Wall to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, a Yangtze River Three Gorges cruise, and the dazzling skyline of Shanghai.

17 DaysNZD $9,999
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China Signature — China Panorama
signature
Auckland — ChinaBeijingBeijing — Xi'an

China Signature — China Panorama

The ultimate 27-day China experience — from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to a Yangtze River cruise, giant pandas in Chengdu, the Li River in Guilin, classical gardens of Suzhou, West Lake in Hangzhou, and vibrant Shanghai.

27 DaysNZD $10,899
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China Signature — Natural China
signature
Auckland — Shanghai (Overnight Flight)Arrival in ShanghaiShanghaiShanghai — GuilinGuilin — Yangshuo

China Signature — Natural China

Discover China's most breathtaking natural landscapes across 16 days — from Shanghai's urban charm to the karst peaks of Guilin, the pandas of Chengdu, the ancient riverside beauty of Fenghuang, and the dramatic "Avatar" mountains of Zhangjiajie.

16 DaysNZD $8,150
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China Discovery — A Tale of Two Cities
discovery
Auckland — BeijingArrival in BeijingBeijingBeijing — Great WallBeijing — Hutong & Silk Market

China Discovery — A Tale of Two Cities

October-ready from Auckland — Beijing's Forbidden City, Great Wall, and hutongs, then high-speed rail to Xi'an for the Terracotta Warriors. Many NZ leisure trips can use China's visa-free entry (confirm before you book); published group departure in October as listed on this page.

10 DaysFrom NZD $3,480
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China Discovery — Best of China
discovery
Auckland — BeijingBeijing

China Discovery — Best of China

Fifteen days from Beijing's Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Great Wall and hutongs, by high-speed train to Xi'an's Terracotta Army, then by air to Hangzhou via Puyuan's fashion ancient town, West Lake and Longjing tea, finishing in Shanghai before your return via Beijing.

15 DaysFrom NZD $4,080 per person
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China Discovery — Shanghai & Surroundings
discovery
Auckland — ShanghaiShanghai — Suzhou (≈1.5 hrs)Suzhou — Wuxi (≈1 hr)WuxiWuxi — Xinshi Ancient Town (≈1.5 hrs)

China Discovery — Shanghai & Surroundings

October-ready from Auckland — Yangtze Delta loop: Suzhou gardens and Shantang Street, Wuxi lakeside sights and Three Kingdoms City, Hanfu and afternoon tea in Xinshi water town, Hangzhou's West Lake and Longjing tea, then Shanghai's Bund. Visa-free entry may apply for many NZ trips (confirm dates); mid-October departure published.

10 DaysNZD $3,399 per person
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China Discovery — Colorful Yunnan
discovery
Auckland — BeijingBeijing — DaliDaliDali — Free DayDali — Lijiang

China Discovery — Colorful Yunnan

Yunnan by air via Beijing — Erhai and Bai culture around Dali (including Shuanglang and “Santorini” viewpoints), Lijiang's Lashi Lake and Shuhe, then overland to Shangri-La through Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, and Napa Lake before returning to Auckland via Beijing.

11 DaysNZD $3,899 per person
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China Discovery — Christmas & New Year in China
discovery
Auckland — GuangzhouGuangzhou — ShanghaiShanghaiShanghai — Zhujiajiao WatertownShanghai — Beijing

China Discovery — Christmas & New Year in China

A 16-day festive journey 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, futuristic Chongqing and a Cantonese Yum Cha finale in Guangzhou.

16 DaysFrom NZD $7,188 per person
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China Discovery — Christmas & New Year in China (Christchurch Departure)
discovery
Christchurch — GuangzhouGuangzhou — ShanghaiShanghaiShanghai — Zhujiajiao WatertownShanghai — Beijing

China Discovery — Christmas & New Year in China (Christchurch Departure)

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.

15 DaysFrom NZD $6,188 per person
See the Itinerary →
China Discovery — Golden China
discovery
Auckland — ShanghaiShanghai — BeijingBeijing

China Discovery — Golden China

Trace the golden thread of China's imperial history on this 12-day journey through Beijing's Forbidden City and Great Wall, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai's vibrant waterfront.

12 DaysFrom NZD $4,999 per person
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China Stopover — Beijing (5 Days)
stopover
Arrival BeijingTiananmen SquareGreat WallSummer PalaceDeparture

China Stopover — Beijing (5 Days)

Experience China's capital with visits to iconic landmarks including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and imperial palaces in this carefully curated Beijing stopover.

5 DaysFrom NZD $2,120
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China Stopover — Beijing Express (3 Days)
stopover
Arrival in BeijingBeijingDeparture

China Stopover — Beijing Express (3 Days)

A perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights! This Beijing stopover combines iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and authentic dining.

3 DaysFrom NZD $1,450
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China Stopover — Shanghai (3 Days)
stopover
Arrival ShanghaiShanghaiShanghai Departure

China Stopover — Shanghai (3 Days)

Explore dynamic and beautiful Shanghai on China's east coast, experiencing the city's transformation from a sleepy fishing town to a modern metropolis of skyscrapers and modern lifestyle.

3 DaysFrom NZD $1,060
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China Stopover — Shanghai Express (2 Days)
stopover
Arrival ShanghaiDeparture Shanghai

China Stopover — Shanghai Express (2 Days)

See the best Shanghai has to offer! This compact stopover showcases Shanghai's historic and modern attractions in an efficient timeframe.

2 DaysFrom NZD $875
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China Stopover — Chengdu (3 Days)
stopover
Arrival in ChengduPanda Centre & CityChengdu Departure

China Stopover — Chengdu (3 Days)

This stopover showcases Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, known as 'The Land of Abundance'. Explore the region's natural heritage and cultural attractions.

3 DaysFrom NZD $1,359
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China Stopover — Guilin (3 Days)
stopover
Arrival in GuilinGuilin/Yangshuo/GuilinGuilin Departure

China Stopover — Guilin (3 Days)

Explore Guilin's scenic landscapes featuring a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, limestone cave exploration, and iconic mountain formations.

3 DaysFrom NZD $1,099
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China Stopover — Xi'an (3 Days)
stopover
Arrival in Xi'anXi'an SightseeingDeparture

China Stopover — Xi'an (3 Days)

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Xi'an, China's ancient capital, with experiences centred on archaeological treasures and cultural landmarks.

3 DaysFrom NZD $945
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China Stopover — Guangzhou (3 Days)
stopover
Arrival GuangzhouGuangzhou — FoshanGuangzhou Departure

China Stopover — Guangzhou (3 Days)

Transform a lengthy journey into a rejuvenating escape. Explore vibrant streets, sample traditional Cantonese cuisine, and experience the city's relaxed pace.

3 DaysFrom NZD $1,399
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China Stopover — Shanghai & Suzhou (3 Days)
stopover
Arrival ShanghaiSuzhouShanghai Departure

China Stopover — Shanghai & Suzhou (3 Days)

A vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity through Shanghai's old quarters, artistic neighbourhoods, and riverfront, plus Suzhou's water-town charm and elegant gardens.

3 DaysFrom NZD $1,356
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China Stopover — Shanghai & Wuzhen (4 Days)
stopover
Arrival ShanghaiShanghaiWuzhenShanghai Departure

China Stopover — Shanghai & Wuzhen (4 Days)

Explore Shanghai's modern attractions combined with the timeless beauty of Wuzhen, the peerless water town in the south of the Yangtze River.

4 DaysFrom NZD $1,760
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China Stopover — Guilin & Surrounds (4 Days)
stopover
Arrival & Reed Flute CaveGuilin — Longsheng — GuilinGuilin — YangshuoYangshuo — Guilin

China Stopover — Guilin & Surrounds (4 Days)

Discover breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage through visits to limestone caves, terraced mountains, ethnic villages, and a scenic Li River cruise.

4 DaysFrom NZD $1,310
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China Stopover — Zhangjiajie (3 Days)
stopover
Guangzhou — ZhangjiajieZhangjiajieZhangjiajie Departure

China Stopover — Zhangjiajie (3 Days)

Experience Zhangjiajie's stunning natural landscapes, including Tianmen Mountain, the Bailong Elevator, and the famous Glass Bridge — the inspiration for Avatar.

3 DaysFrom NZD $1,899
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China Stopover — Guangzhou & Shenzhen (4 Days)
stopover
Guangzhou — ShenzhenShenzhen Bay ParkWutong MountainPing An Finance Centre — Departure

China Stopover — Guangzhou & Shenzhen (4 Days)

Explore the dynamic city of Shenzhen with futuristic skyscrapers, vibrant shopping districts, and rich cultural landmarks. Experience innovation, cuisine, and a fusion of tradition and modernity.

4 DaysFrom NZD $2,340
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China Stopover — Huangshan (4 Days)
stopover
Tunxi (Huangshan)Tunxi — Mt. HuangshanMt. Huangshan — TunxiYixian — Nanping — Tunxi

China Stopover — Huangshan (4 Days)

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Huangshan with a scenic cable car ride up Yellow Mountain, overnight stay atop the mountain, and visits to UNESCO-listed Hongcun and Nanping villages.

4 DaysFrom NZD $1,635
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CTS Signature Collection

Our premium collection features boutique 4-5 star accommodations, small group sizes (max 16 passengers), and locally-led experiences designed by our China specialists. Perfect for travellers seeking depth and immersion.

View All Signature Tours →

CTS Discovery Collection

Reliable, well-organized China experiences at excellent value. Our Discovery collection features 3-4 star hotels, must-see itineraries, and expert guides—ideal for first-time visitors and those seeking great value.

View All Discovery Tours →

Quick Facts

Total Tours
25+
Destinations
7 regions
Collections
Signature, Discovery, Stopover
Experience
25 years in NZ (parent CTS since 1928)
Tailor My Trip

Tip: Filter by destination to explore Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and more.

Plan Your China Journey

Get expert guidance on timing and NZ passport entry to China

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about traveling to China with CTS

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Our specialists are ready to create your perfect China itinerary. Let's start planning!