Extended visas offered in government plan to draw Chinese visitors to New Zealand

"A review of this caliber, conducted by tourism industry experts alongside government, is essential as China is very different from our traditional visitor markets. It has seen extraordinary growth, has a multitude of different market segments and cultures," Barrett said in a statement.

Among other recommendations to be implemented this year was a proposal to invest in a three-year China visitor market information program to inform the development of demand-led products.

"New Zealand needs to better understand how to make the most of the opportunities available in the China market, learning how to provide them with the best possible experience in New Zealand," Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Chief Executive Martin Snedden said in a statement welcoming the report.

"At present, most Chinese visitors add a few days in New Zealand to their Australian holiday. We want to encourage these travelers to treat New Zealand as a single destination and stay longer to explore the country more extensively."