# Chinese Visitors via Australia: NZeTA Trial for Groups > Chinese visitors travelling from Australia can enter New Zealand on an NZeTA under a 12-month trial. Group notes. Source: https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-19-chinese-visitors-via-australia-nzeta-trial-groups/ Entry Requirements 19 October 2026 · Explera Trade Desk · 2 min read ![Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset, seen from below](https://img.magnific.com/free-photo/low-angle-shot-sydney-harbour-bridge-australia-sunset_181624-30636.jpg?w=700) **Short answer:** Under a 12-month trial that began in early November 2025, eligible Chinese passport holders travelling from Australia with a valid Australian visa can enter New Zealand with an NZeTA instead of a New Zealand visitor visa. Because the trial period ends in early November 2026, Explera DMC New Zealand checks its status with Immigration New Zealand before quoting. This matters for Australia and New Zealand combination programmes, where a group from China visits Australia first and then flies across the Tasman. ## What does the trial allow? Immigration New Zealand's fact sheet sets out the rules. To be eligible, visitors must: - **Hold a Chinese passport.** - **Hold a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa.** The trial does not apply to people who are only transiting through Australia. - **Travel from Australia to New Zealand** on each occasion. - **Have an NZeTA** (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Eligible visitors can stay in New Zealand for up to three months. Immigration New Zealand said in June 2025 that an NZeTA is generally processed within 72 hours, and that it costs less to apply for than a visitor visa. ![An aircraft wing above the clouds, seen from a cabin window](https://img.magnific.com/free-photo/beautiful-shot-from-airplane-window-wings-clouds_181624-11733.jpg?w=700) *An aircraft wing above the clouds, seen from a cabin window* ## What does it mean for a group? - **Routing matters.** The trial only helps if the group flies to New Zealand from Australia. A group flying directly from China still needs a New Zealand visitor visa. - **Check every passport.** Each traveller needs a valid Australian visa of an eligible type. A traveller who only transits Australia is not covered. - **Check the dates.** The trial runs for 12 months from early November 2025. For travel after early November 2026, confirm with Immigration New Zealand whether it has been extended before you rely on it. - **Keep a visa fallback.** If a traveller is not eligible, or the trial has ended, allow time for a visitor visa application. ![Travellers checking a departures board at an airport](https://img.magnific.com/free-photo/airport-terminal_1417-1462.jpg?w=700) *Travellers checking a departures board at an airport* ## How Explera DMC New Zealand can help We plan the New Zealand part of Australia and New Zealand programmes, including transfers from the trans-Tasman flight. See our [entry requirements guide](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-05-new-zealand-entry-requirements-nzeta-visas-agents/), our [group visitor visa note](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-05-new-zealand-group-visitor-visa-online-deadline/), our [New Zealand DMC page for China](https://www.explera.co.nz/new-zealand-dmc-in-china/) and our [New Zealand DMC page for Australia](https://www.explera.co.nz/new-zealand-dmc-in-australia/). ## FAQ **Who can use the trial?** Chinese passport holders with a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa who travel from Australia to New Zealand and hold an NZeTA. **How long can they stay in New Zealand?** Up to three months. **Does it cover a group flying directly from China?** No. The trial only applies to travel from Australia to New Zealand. **When does the trial end?** It runs for 12 months from early November 2025. Check its status with Immigration New Zealand before quoting travel after early November 2026. ## Sources - [Fact sheet: Trial of Australian visa recognition for eligible Chinese visitors](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/media/Fact-sheet-Trial-of-Australian-visa-recognition-for-eligible-Chinese-visitors.pdf), Immigration New Zealand, June 2025 ## Talk to the trade desk Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal [b2b.expleradmc.com](https://b2b.expleradmc.com). ## Talk to the trade desk *Your New Zealand DMC partner* From a single FIT to series groups and full MICE programmes, every New Zealand proposal is costed by hand against your brief at net rates. Send your requirements as a new email with a descriptive subject line. [b2b@explera.co.nz](mailto:b2b@explera.co.nz) [WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090](https://wa.me/66936568090) ## More from the trade blog. *Keep reading* [All posts](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/rss.xml) - [NZ Beach Safety for Groups: Swim Between the Flags](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-19-new-zealand-beach-safety-swim-between-flags-groups/) - [New Zealand Tourism Policy Statement: Trade Notes](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-19-new-zealand-tourism-policy-statement-trade/) - [New Zealand Visitor Arrivals: August 2026 Data for Agents](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-19-new-zealand-visitor-arrivals-august-2026-agents/)