New Zealand experiences boom in Chinese tourists
With higher levels of disposable income and a desire to explore further afield, Chinese tourists are coming to New Zealand in ever-increasing numbers. Beautiful scenery is part of the attraction, peace and quiet, and of course, Hobbiton!
It's the modern face of Chinese tourism - a honeymoon couple celebrate a 3-week trip to see New Zealand's best scenery.
But the final destination is Hobbiton, in the upper North Island, where scenes for the Hobbit movies were filmed.
Wether its Hobbiton or other traditional attractions, Chinese interest in New Zealand is at an all-time high. Visitors increased by 30% last year to almost a quarter of a million people, and similar gains are in store for this year.
''Obviously, with more people with more wealth, they are looking for travel. New Zealand offers such a great experience for Chinese visitors," said Kevin Bowler, CEO, Tourism New Zealand.
In addition to five-star hotels, casinos and upmarket shopping malls, Chinese visitors want to enjoy New Zealand's spectacular landscape.
The thermal wonderland of Rotorua has always been a must-see for busloads of Chinese tourists. But now there's a new generation of younger and more adventurous visitors who want to explore New Zealand's unique scenery as well as have fun.
Rolling down a hillside in Rotorua's Zorb is a popular attraction for young Chinese people with a sense of adventure.
Ivan Yuen is also keen to experience the outdoors - and escape from his stressful working life at Hong Kong airport.
"New Zealand is a very good place to have a rest," he said.
Last year's Chinese ban on the sale of low-cost shopping tours to countries like New Zealand means fewer groups, but instead there are more independent travellers of substantial means.
"They'll go back more satisfied, they'll spread more positive messages about New Zealand, so we see the changes as very very positive," Kevin said.
Nevertheless, there are some concerns about language difficulties and the lack of Chinese signs and Chinese food.
And the biggest worry is tourists being killed in traffic accidents. New Zealanders drive on the opposite side of the road to China, and some road trips don't have happy endings.
"New Zealand's a relatively safe place. There's not a lot of traffic, but at the same time it's important for inexperienced drivers to get some education," Kevin said.
And hopefully, most Chinese visitors will go home with only happy memories of the country which the locals call "God's Own".
