Flight time
The flight from Auckland to China takes roughly 12 hours nonstop. It's not a short flight but worth it to see things you've only ever dreamed of.
From the impossibly ancient to the ridiculously modern
China is a country where living history meets the future. From the fast-paced buzz of cities like Beijing and Shanghai to tranquil mountain ranges and misty rice terraces, there’s something here for everyone – and then some.
Step back in time at the Forbidden City, marvel at the ancient Buddhist art of the Mogao Grottoes, or hike the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge. You’ll quickly realise: one visit is never enough.
Of course, there are the icons – the Great Wall, the 1,200-year-old Buddha at Le Shan – but if nature is calling, head to Guilin’s karst peaks or Longji’s sweeping rice terraces for views that take your breath away. And don’t miss the panda breeding centres in Chengdu – cuteness levels are off the charts.
For food lovers, this is paradise. From street snacks to steaming bowls of noodles, there’s something delicious (and surprisingly affordable) every few metres.
A trip to China is a feast for the senses – a fascinating blend of ancient tradition, bold modernity and unforgettable flavour.
Chat to our China specialists and let’s map out your perfect adventure.
Best time to go
The best times to visit China are spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October) for mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer offers vibrant festivals while winter brings ice festivals and skiing.
Time difference
China is 4–5 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving in NZ. It will take a couple of days to adjust
Meet our China specialists
Sarah Martelli
House of Travel Rotorua
Lovely to meet you! My love for travel began early—at 19, I
left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I’ve never
looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible
years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my
heart!)
I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and I knew I’d found my dream job. Even now, I still smile every day coming to work—I truly LOVE what I do.
Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy.
I specialise in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I’m especially
passionate about tours and cruising. Whether it’s your first trip or your
tenth, I’m here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from
start to finish.
I’m known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I’ll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.
Now based on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and our three young children, I understand the #mumlife juggle—and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday! Having travelled to over 40 countries, I can’t wait to share my experience with you.
Sarah
Shelley Rich
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
I have been a part of the travel industry for over 30 years and still love it!
I love to travel and I often joke with my clients that I live vicariously through them.
Planning the perfect holiday for my clients fills me with joy. I take pride in what I do and love sharing my passion of travel.
Many of my clients have become life long friends.
Shelley
Chloe McKellar
House of Travel Wellington City
Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way
into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality
industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also
founded my love for all different types of foods.
After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few
years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have
been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.
I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to
know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that
perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of
comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the
corner, do we!
I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of
time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in
California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and
Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't
been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out
the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods,
and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we
wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to
hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)
Chloe
Antony Boomer
House of Travel Dunedin
I have been in the travel industry since 1987 as a tour leader, travel advisor, traveler visiting the globe, and now Owner Operator of House of Travel Dunedin City.
My travels have encompassed 105 countries initially using all forms of transport from a double decker bus around Europe to rickshaws in Asia to horses in the Middle East and dugout canoes in Central Africa with camels, elephants, donkeys and bicycles in-between.
I am more than willing to travel in a lot more comfort these days visiting the Pacific, Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Ireland, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, USA, Cayman Islands, Zimbabwe, Turkiye and Malta in recent years.
I believe the transition is similar for people of my generation who still yearn to visit anywhere and everywhere but enjoy a bit, or a lot, more luxury. As such I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the whole spectrum of travel options and regularly come up with solutions to the most complex of travel plans.
Tony
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
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