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
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
Wendy Harrison
House of Travel Rotorua
I am an adventure seeker with a passion for exploring the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences and have a particular love for small group tours and adventures. Whether it's cruising in the Galapagos Islands or exploring new cities, I love the intimacy and camaraderie that comes with traveling in small groups.
When I'm not adventuring, you can often find me at live sports and events, cheering on my favourite teams and soaking up the excitement of the crowd. Or I'm equally at home soaking up the sun during a beautiful island beach holiday.
I also have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore new destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, and cruising across the Tasman. All while enjoying the comforts and amenities of life on the water.
One of my favourite pastimes is people watching whether it's from a cafe in Paris or on the streets of New York. For me, there is nothing more fascinating than observing the unique and diverse cultures of the world and the interactions of the people within them. I'm always seeking out new experiences and adventures, driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding.
Wendy
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
Maree Thompson
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!
I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!
I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!
I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.
I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.
I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.
I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.
My Travel Tips
* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.
*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!
*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.
*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.
The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.
Maree
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"She was very attentive. Excellent comms. I don't use travel agents as a rule but she was great. I'll rethink my stance on them."
Alec"We trust his extensive tavel knowledge and experiences and he always provides the ultimate customer service."
John"Holly was a pleasure to deal with, and her experience really showed as she danced around the computer keyboard looking for flight details. I fel she very quickly understood my specific travel needs."
MalcolmBest. Holidays. Ever!
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