Overview
Starting 3 November 2025, the eligible Chinese passport holders who already have a valid Australian visa can visit New Zealand without directly seeking a New Zealand visitor visa.
Instead, they can ask for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and can remain in New Zealand not exceeding three months on a trial basis of 12 months. The change hopes to make the itineraries of Australia and New Zealand simpler and stimulate more Chinese tourist visits. ✈️ Tip: Planning to explore both Australia and New Zealand? Compare flights easily on Skyscanner
What exactly has changed:
Start date and trial: The arrangement will begin on 3 November 2025, and it will be a 12-month trial.
Who is eligible: Chinese people traveling from Australia and without a valid and eligible Australian visa (visitor, work, student, or family visa) can travel to New Zealand using an NZeTA in place of a separate New Zealand visitor visa. The case does not apply to individuals merely in transit in Australia.
Period of stay: Acceptable travellers have the right to stay in New Zealand not exceeding 3 months upon entry. (NZeTAs typically have a duration of 2 years and allow several short visits).
Transit change: Since 27 October 2025, eligible Chinese travellers could also transit through New Zealand on a Transit NZeTA as opposed to a separate transit visa.
Costs and technical details:
Price and processing NZeTThe NZeTA charge is NZD $17 (application fee; online/web portal charges can be slightly higher), and the processing time is typically 72 hours, although travelers are recommended to submit their applications at least three days prior to travel.
A request to NZeTA also involves payment of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) (NZD $100), which is imposed when you request NZeTA or when you apply a visitor visa.
Visitor visa (what is being evaded): In the past, Chinese visitors had to apply to get a visa of New Zealand (the standard visitor visa application fee for most nationalities is in INZ pages NZD 441, and the average processing time is around two weeks for cases and volumes).
The new route eliminates the necessary visitor visa procedure for qualified travelers originating in Australia.
Useful for multi-country itineraries:
If you’re exploring nearby destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and the Maldives, check our guide How to Plan a Budget Trip to Maldives.
The reason the government initiated the change:
According to New Zealand officials, the measure will facilitate lowering the cost and processing on both the travel that involves both Australia and New Zealand and the trans-Tasman itineraries that can be amalgamated by the independent traveling community and the premium custom tour community.
The authorities project that the bundle of new changes would accommodate 25,000-50,000 more Chinese tourists annually; Immigration and Tourism New Zealand cited China as the third-largest tourism market in New Zealand, with an annual arrival of nearly 250,000 in the year ending July 2025.
The government states the action as a selective tourism boost to the regional economies.
What this implies for the travelers—practical advice:
Assuming that you are traveling from China to New Zealand via Australia:
Check eligibility first. You need to have an accepted, valid Australian visa under the trial rules and be traveling between Australia and New Zealand. Read the INZ fact sheet and use an official tool. Check if you need a visa or an NZeTA before you book.
Apply for an NZeTA in advance. The processing time is 72 hours and should include your payment to IVL. The use of the official app is usually the cheapest way to apply.
Carry supporting evidence when you travel, in the form of documentary evidence of your Australian visa—border officers may insist on having evidence that you were flying out of Australia and that your Australian visa is current.
Arrange timings and relationships. Tour operators and airlines could need an NZeTA before check-in. In case you are making a multi-stop travel, ensure that each leg fulfills the requirement of traveling to Australia.
And in the case that you are already in New Zealand or have booked a separate visitor visa:
The current visitor visa that you already have is still valid on its original terms. In case you have already paid visitor visa, it is necessary to mention that the visitor visa route has not been deprived of its rights and conditions; the change of the policy offers an alternative option to eligible inbound travelers through Australia.
Benefits and likely impacts:
To travelers: cheaper and quicker processing of people who already have an Australian visa; simpler multiple-country itineraries; more convenient for independent travelers and small specialist tour operators.
As regards New Zealand tourism, the government and tourism bodies are optimistic of a slight increase in Chinese arrivals, which will boost the hotels, local tourism operators, and seasonal demand. The models of forecasting used in New Zealand propose the growth of tens of thousands of visitors in favorable conditions.
Limits, risks, and watching things:
This is a trial. The scheme lasts 12 months; the government will assess the uptake and effects and decide on whether a permanent change needs to be made.
It is not a replacement for other visas. There is no alteration in immigration regulations for individuals who fail to satisfy the eligibility requirements (such as those arriving in New Zealand straight from China, who still usually require a visitor visa or other suitable authorization).
Border checks still apply. Being an NZeTA does not guarantee entry – any traveler should qualify in terms of health, character and biosecurity requirements on entry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long have you been doing it, and how long will it last?
This measure commenced on 3 November 2025, and it is a 12-month trial.
Who can use it?
The CR450 will start commercial service in 2026 and will initially operate on the Shanghai-Chongqing-Chengdu high-speed rail route.
What are the differences between the CR450 and the earlier Chinese high-speed trains?
Chinese passport holders with an eligible and valid Australian visa and traveling between Australia and New Zealand they have to request an NZeTA. Those who are merely passing through Australia are excluded from the trial.
How long can I stay?
3 months per visit in the NZeTA entry.
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
NZeTA begins at NZD $17 (app fee; online portal fees can be increased), and the processing can take 72 hours. When applying for an NZeTA, the IVL (NZD $100) is also to be paid. A regular visitor visa (the visa that is not used by qualified travelers) is normally NZD $441 for most applicants.
Where to get official information and next steps:
- Immigration New Zealand — official announcements and fact sheets (NZeTA rules and the trial fact sheet). (Immigration New Zealand)
- NZeTA application portal (apply and pay IVL). (nzeta.immigration.govt.nz)
- Tourism New Zealand and official market reports for context on arrivals and forecasts. (tourismnewzealand.com)
Major news outlets (RNZ, NZ Herald) for commentary and ministerial statements. (RNZ)
