Destination Profile
Choose cheap flights to China from New Zealand to swap the Southern Alps for the snow-capped Tian Shan and the tealeaf-clad karsts of Yunnan. Choose these bargain flights to trade Auckland with the fizzing megalopolis of Shanghai; leafy Christchurch with the colossal palace complexes of Beijing. The best deals tend to involve at least one stopover, but it's also possible to find connections on airlines that go direct to larger Chinese cities. They take around – hours from departure to arrival on average.
The Great Wall of China snakes through the mountains around Beijing. It's a global wonder, with some rare sections that date back as far as 2,700 years!
Prepare to get lost between Qing-dynasty throne rooms and Ming-dynasty artworks at the sprawling Forbidden City – the headline UNESCO site in Beijing.
Xi'an is the home of the famous Terracotta Army. But it's also got awesome fortifications and handsome pagodas.
Right now, the most affordable month to fly to China is April/2026. The most expensive time is February/2026.
Air New Zealand, China Southern, China Eastern and Air China fly direct between New Zealand and China.
The cheapest airline that flies from New Zealand to China is Malaysia Airlines.
The best airline to fly to China from New Zealand is Qatar Airways. If you want direct flights then Air New Zealand is the best.