4 Kiwi-Led China itineraries 2026-27 · 10-18 days · NZD $3,399-7,999 · Auckland-based
Reply within 1 NZ business day · no obligation.
100+ Years Heritage
Century of Excellence Since 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
Real Kiwi travellers · real itineraries
A snapshot from our recent New Zealand departures — photos shared by CTS travellers, paired with quotes from our verified NZ reviews.
“Two of the world’s great historical capitals in ten days. Couldn’t have asked for more.”
Quote from Claire & Tom Mackenzie · Wellington, NZ
“Visa-free entry made this finally happen for me as a solo Kiwi traveller.”
Quote from Fiona Hewitt · Auckland, NZ
“Canal streets after dark, silk markets, garden tea ceremony — like stepping into a classical painting.”
Quote from Rachel Donohue · Tauranga, NZ
“Guilin’s karst peaks stopped us in our tracks — we’d go again in a heartbeat.”
Quote from Trevor & Jan Bowen · Invercargill, NZ
“Two weeks in Yunnan and barely another Western tourist in sight — sweet as trip from start to finish.”
Quote from Liz & Peter Armstrong · Christchurch, NZ
“Sunrise at Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains was otherworldly — every shot looked like a National Geographic cover.”
Quote from James & Mia Cooper · Wellington, NZ
Three reviews — one per flagship route below — straight from our most recent New Zealand departures.
Claire & Tom Mackenzie
Wellington, NZ · January 2026
“Visa-free entry made booking so much easier than we expected. Baker’s itinerary was brilliantly paced — three days in Beijing, then a bullet train to Xi’an for the Terracotta Warriors. Couldn’t have asked for more.”Tale of Two Cities · Beijing + Xi'an
Simon & Kate Brennan
Christchurch, NZ · December 2025
“The contrast between the futuristic Bund skyline and the classical gardens of Suzhou made us feel like we’d moved through 1,000 years of history in two days. A new benchmark for a well-designed tour.”Shanghai & Surroundings · 10 days
Robert & Anne Murray
Hamilton, NZ · February 2026
“The Mogao Caves at Dunhuang, camping in the Gobi desert under more stars than I knew existed, the ancient Sunday market in Kashgar — we’ve been travelling for 30 years and this was the best trip we’ve ever taken.”Silk Road Discovery · 18 days
Four of our most-booked routes from New Zealand — pick a starting point and our specialists will tailor dates, hotels, and add-ons around you.
Beijing + Xi’an10 Days · Discovery
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.
Most popular15 Days · Discovery
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.
October 202610 Days · Discovery
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.
Signature · 18 days18 Days · Signature
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.
CTS Tours is New Zealand's dedicated China travel specialist — a TAANZ member and IATA-accredited agency with direct China operations since 1928. 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Experience China's capital with visits to iconic landmarks including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and imperial palaces in this carefully curated Beijing stopover.
A perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights! This Beijing stopover combines iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and authentic dining.
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.
See the best Shanghai has to offer! This compact stopover showcases Shanghai's historic and modern attractions in an efficient timeframe.
This stopover showcases Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, known as 'The Land of Abundance'. Explore the region's natural heritage and cultural attractions.
Explore Guilin's scenic landscapes featuring a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, limestone cave exploration, and iconic mountain formations.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Xi'an, China's ancient capital, with experiences centred on archaeological treasures and cultural landmarks.
Transform a lengthy journey into a rejuvenating escape. Explore vibrant streets, sample traditional Cantonese cuisine, and experience the city's relaxed pace.
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.
Explore Shanghai's modern attractions combined with the timeless beauty of Wuzhen, the peerless water town in the south of the Yangtze River.
Discover breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage through visits to limestone caves, terraced mountains, ethnic villages, and a scenic Li River cruise.
Experience Zhangjiajie's stunning natural landscapes, including Tianmen Mountain, the Bailong Elevator, and the famous Glass Bridge — the inspiration for Avatar.
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.
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.
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 →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 →Tip: Filter by destination to explore Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and more.
Get expert guidance on timing and NZ passport entry to China
Month-by-month guide to planning your perfect China trip
Read MoreVisa-free entry for NZ passports: documents, stay limits, and exceptions
Read MoreCampaign landing for the Beijing–Xi’an Discovery route
Read MoreCampaign landing for the Jiangnan loop Discovery tour
Read MoreIntimate groups of 6–16, expert guides, NZD pricing — October 2026 departures open
Read MoreWhy Kiwis book with CTS: direct China operations, Auckland-based team, 1,200+ travellers
Read MoreHow to choose a gateway when you are new to China
Read MoreEverything you need to know about traveling to China with CTS
Have more questions?
Contact Our SpecialistsStart Your Adventure
Our specialists are ready to create your perfect China itinerary. Let's start planning!
