In 2025, Auckland International Airport welcomed over 3.5 million international visitors, the highest since 2019, including approximately 262,000 Chinese visitors. Chinese tourist spending surged 147% year-on-year, making it a core market for New Zealand tourism. The New Zealand government simplified transit procedures for Chinese travellers: from November 2025, Chinese passport holders can transit with an NZeTA (NZD 17, valid for two years), and those with a valid Australian visa may enter without a visa.

China Eastern Airlines launched a Shanghai–Buenos Aires route with a stopover in Auckland; Air China and China Southern added extra flights during the 2026 Spring Festival period, boosting Chinese passenger traffic by 18%. Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker said China routes will be prioritised for capacity allocation, and memorandums of cooperation have been signed with China Southern Airlines and travel agencies to attract business travellers. A report forecasts Auckland Airport's international throughput will reach 10.6 million passengers in 2026, with the Chinese market's growth far exceeding the average.

Simplified visas and increased flight services for Chinese tourists directly benefit New Zealand's tourism and related industries. As small and medium business owners, you should focus on the spending potential of high-net-worth Chinese travellers: they are no longer limited to holidays but travel year-round, and the proportion of business travellers is rising. If your business involves hotels, catering, retail or transport services, it is advisable to optimise Chinese-language services, integrate WeChat Pay, and launch tailored packages for Chinese tourists.

Meanwhile, Auckland Airport's prioritisation of China route resources means that future cargo belly capacity may increase, a potential boon for exporters – especially in time-sensitive sectors like fresh produce and cross-border e-commerce. However, note that overall international visitor growth will be moderate, with the Chinese market standing out. Relying on a single market carries risks; it is recommended to simultaneously develop other high-growth sources such as Australia and the United States.

By 2026, Auckland Airport's throughput is expected to reach 10.6 million, and the Chinese market's share will continue to rise. It is wise to proactively establish Chinese market channels and cross-border logistics partnerships.

Keywords: Auckland Airport, Chinese tourists, transit convenience, flight increases, spending surge, business travellers, aviation hub, entry policies

2025年，奥克兰国际机场接待超过350万国际游客，创2019年以来新高，其中中国游客约26.2万人次。中国游客消费同比激增147%，成为新西兰旅游业核心市场。新西兰政府简化中国旅客过境手续：自2025年11月起，中国护照持有者凭NZeTA（17新西兰元，有效期2年）即可过境，持有效澳大利亚签证的中国游客可免签入境。

中国东方航空开通上海至布宜诺斯艾利斯航线经停奥克兰，2026年春节期间国航和南航增开航班，中国客流量增长18%。机场首席客户官Scott Tasker表示，中国航线将优先配置运力，并已与中国南方航空及旅游机构签署合作备忘录吸引商务旅客。报告预测2026年奥克兰机场国际吞吐量达1060万人次，中国市场增长将远超平均水平。

对中国游客的简化签证和航线增加，直接利好新西兰旅游及周边行业。作为中小企业主，应重点关注中国高净值旅客的消费潜力：他们不再局限于节假日，而是全年常态化出行，且商务旅客比例上升。如果你的生意涉及酒店、餐饮、零售或交通服务，建议优化中文服务、接入微信支付、推出针对中国游客的定制套餐。

同时，奥克兰机场优先配置中国航线资源，意味着未来货运腹舱容量可能增加，对出口商而言是潜在利好——尤其是生鲜、跨境电商等对时效敏感的行业。但注意，整体国际旅客增速将温和，中国市场一枝独秀，依赖单一市场存在风险，建议同步开拓其他高增长客源如澳大利亚和美国。到2026年，奥克兰机场吞吐量预计达1060万，中国市场占比将持续提升，提前布局中文市场渠道和跨境物流合作是明智之举。

关键词: 奥克兰机场, 中国游客, 过境便利, 航线增加, 消费激增, 商务旅客, 航空枢纽, 入境政策

Photo by Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash

Source: Penguin Number