Kia Ora South! New Zealand extends invitation to Shenzhen residents

On June 26, the “Kia Ora South” New Zealand Tourism Promotion Conference was held in Shenzhen, warmly inviting local residents to embark on a unique journey to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

The conference centered around the Māori New Year, with “Kia Ora” meaning “hello” in the language of the Māori — the indigenous people of New Zealand. The Māori New Year begins when the Matariki star cluster reappears in the morning sky in late May or early June, marking a time of renewal and celebration. Stargazing has become a highly popular tourist activity in New Zealand, especially on the South Island, where the Māori New Year has further enriched this special experience.

A guest introduces the Māori New Year to the audience. Chang Zhipeng

As a year-round travel destination in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s South Island continues to attract global travelers with its pristine natural beauty and diverse outdoor adventures.

The promotion event showcased many renowned scenic spots, hotels, ski resorts, and eco-tourism groups from the South Island. The tourism products presented fully highlighted the charm of the island’s four distinct seasons. Visitors can take a helicopter ride across a stunning skyline framed by snow-capped mountains and glaciers, or experience the thrill of skydiving over Queenstown. They can also visit Kaikōura to witness awe-inspiring whales breaching and leaping close to shore, followed by a night under the clear starry skies of Lake Tekapo to view the Pleiades Matariki cluster. Whether traveling solo, with family, or as photography and outdoor enthusiasts, visitors will find countless memorable moments in this destination rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Māori performers from New Zealand perform a song. Chang Zhipeng

According to the latest data from Statistics New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand, Chinese tourists accounted for 248,000 arrivals in 2024, making China the third largest international source market for New Zealand. Following the New Zealand government’s announcement of a trial visa-free policy for Chinese tourists holding valid Australian visas starting November 2025, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent visit to China and proactive efforts to promote bilateral tourism cooperation, the market is expected to accelerate in the second half of the year.

 A representative from NZONE Skydive introduces skydiving in Queenstown. Courtesy of the event organizer

Furthermore, flight connectivity between China and New Zealand is continuously improving, offering travelers more convenient and comfortable options. China Southern Airlines’ direct flight from Guangzhou to Christchurch will be further upgraded during New Zealand’s peak tourist season from 2025 to 2026: from Nov. 1 to Dec. 16, 2025, the service will maintain five flights per week; and from Dec. 17, 2025 to March 3, 2026, the route will increase to daily flights, significantly enhancing transportation capacity and travel flexibility.