New Zealand experiences boom in Chinese tourists

New Zealand is experiencing a boom in Chinese tourists. Chinese holidaymakers to New Zealand have increased significantly over the past twelve months, and the current Chinese New Year Holiday promises to start another bumper year. But gone are the days when Chinese tourists only visited New Zealand for a relatively brief shopping tour. Nowadays, it's more likely to be the young, independent and wealthy middle classes who're taking to the roads and looking for adventure.

In addition to New Zealand's spectacular landscape, Chinese visitors like upmarket shopping and luxury accommodation.

The thermal wonderland of Rotorua has always been a compulsory stop for busloads of Chinese tourists travelling on shopping tours. But now there's a new generation of younger and more adventurous visitor who want to explore New Zealand's unique scenery, and have some fun.

Rolling down a hillside in Rotorua's Zorb is a popular attraction for young Chinese 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 for have a rest." Chinese tourist Ivan Yuen said.

Last year's Chinese ban on the sale of low cost shopping tours to countries like New Zealand also means fewer groups - and more big spending independent travellers.

"They' ll go back more satisfied, they spread more positive messages about New Zealand, so we see the changes as very very positive. " Kevin Bowler, CEO of Tourism new Zealand, said.

Some concerns have been expressed about language difficulties and the lack of Chinese signage and food.

However the biggest worry involves 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 the happy endings portrayed on YouTube videos.

"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. " Bowler said.

And hopefully most Chinese visitors will go home with only happy memories of the country which the locals call "God's Own."