Best Time to Visit China
Taking into account weather conditions and natural scenery, September and October are the best times to take China tours from New Zealand. The temperature is moderate and fluctuates around 20°C (68°F). The autumn scenery is colorful with ripe fruits and tree leaves turning yellow and red. May and June with blooming flowers are also good months for traveling in China.
Please be aware that the Chinese National Day holiday from Oct. 1 to 7 and the Spring Festival Travel Rush are two travel peaks to avoid.
Seasons in New Zealand
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Seasons in China
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Spring: September - November
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Spring: March - May
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Summer: December - February
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Summer: June - August
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Autumn: March - May
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Autumn: September - November
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Winter: June - August
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Winter: December - February
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Do New Zealand citizens need a visa to travel to China?
New Zealand citizens need a visa to visit China unless you qualify to enjoy the visa-free policies of China. Applicants can submit documents including passport, application form, personal color photo, and round-trip air tickets and hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a China travel agency in person or by mail.
Visa fees: 140 New Zealand dollars
Where to Apply for a Visa (choose the one in charge of your residence area):
Chinese Embassy in Wellington Tel: 04-4733514
Chinese Consulate in Auckland Tel: 09-5713080, 5265680
Chinese Consulate in Christchurch Tel: 03-3433650
How to Travel to China from New Zealand - Flights
There are plenty of direct flights between New Zealand and China. If taking China tours from New Zealand with airfare included, it's most convenient to depart from Auckland, as it has the most direct flights to China. In Christchurch, there is a direct flight to Guangzhou that takes about 12 hours. If departing from other cities, you may need to make a transfer on the way.
New Zealand and Chinese cities linked by direct flights:
Auckland: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Shenzhen
Christchurch: Guangzhou
Time Difference between New Zealand and China
New Zealand Daylight Saving Time is in effect from the last Sunday of September to the first Sunday of April and is five hours earlier than China. Its standard time is four hours earlier than China.
Money Exchange for New Zealand Dollars and Chinese Yuan
Chinese Yuan (CNY), the legal tender, is used throughout mainland China. The basic unit of CNY is the Yuan, which can be further divided into 10 Jiao or 100 Fen. Travelers can exchange money in their home country or after arrival in China. Currency exchange services are available in big banks, major hotels and international airports.
Voltage & Power Sockets
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China
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New Zealand
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Voltage
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220V/50HZ
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230V/50HZ
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Plug Type
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Type A/I
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Type I
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New Zealand uses the same type of electrical sockets as China, so you don't need to take a plug adapter for China tours from New Zealand. A voltage converter is not necessary either.
Tap Water is Not Drinkable in China
You should not drink tap water directly in China for health reasons. Bottled water is cheap and can be bought in all convenience stores. Most hotel rooms have an electric teakettle for you to boil water. Tea is commonly served in restaurants and a variety of soft drinks, beer, and wine are available for purchase. If you book China tours from New Zealand all inclusive with us, we will provide you with a free bottle of water each day during your trip.
How to Make Phone Calls
From New Zealand to China:
Dial 00 + China country code 86 + city code + phone number
Note: Ignore the city code if you are calling a cell phone number.
From China to New Zealand:
Dial 00 + New Zealand country code 64 + city code + phone number
Note: Ignore the city code if you are calling a cell phone number.
Learn Basic Chinese
If you have booked China tours from New Zealand all inclusive with us, an English-speaking tour guide will accompany you during the trip, so you actually won't have big problems with language. Learning simple phrases for daily communication can help you understand locals when shopping or hanging out during your free time, especially in small cities and remote areas.
English
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Chinese
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Pronunciation in Pinyin
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Hi!/Hello!
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您好
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Nín Hǎo
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Good Bye!
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再见
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Zài Jiàn
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Sorry!
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对不起
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Duì Bù Qǐ
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Thanks!
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谢谢
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Xiè Xiè
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Washroom
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厕所/洗手间
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Cè Sǔo/Xǐ Shǒu Jiān
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How much is it? (for price)
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多少钱
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Duō Shǎo Qián
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