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How to Travel from New Zealand to Tibet?

  • by Merry
  • Last Updated: 2024-11-28

Traveling from New Zealand to Tibet promises an extraordinary journey filled with stunning landscapes, unique culture, and rich history. This guide will help Kiwis plan each step, from booking flights to obtaining the necessary permits and choosing the best time to visit. Discover how to make your Tibetan adventure smooth and memorable.

Notice: Travelers from New Zealand can enjoy a 30-day visa-free till December 31, 2025.

Travel to Tibet via Mainland China

There are no direct international flights from New Zealand to Tibet. New Zealanders can fly from New Zealand to major cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc., and then take domestic flights or trains to Tibet. Auckland Airport (AKL) in New Zealand is the main airport for flights to China. In addition, Wellington Airport (WLG) and Christchurch Airport (CHC) also have flights to China.
Flights from Auckland to Lhasa Flight routes from Auckland, New Zealand to Lhasa

Auckland - Beijing - Lhasa

There is a direct flight from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) every other day, about 14 hours. The flight takes off at 20:30 and arrives in Beijing the next morning. The average economy class is from NZD 765 to NZD 2180. From Beijing to Lhasa, there are usually 2-3 direct flights per day, from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)takes about 4 ~ 4.5 hours, arriving on the same day. The average economy class is about NZD 811. You can also take the train Z21 from Beijing to Lhasa. The whole journey is about 3,760 kilometers and takes about 40 hours. The soft sleeper costs NZD 301.

Auckland - Shanghai - Lhasa

There are 2-3 international flights from Auckland Airport(AKL) to Shanghai Pudong Airport(PVG) every day, at about 12h30m, arriving the next day. The average economy class is from NZD 526 to NZD 1700. And there are usually 1-2 flights from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) every day via Xi'an or Chengdu, about 7- 8.5 hours and arriving on the same day. The average economy class is about NZD 390. If you prefer to take a train to Lhasa, you can take the train Z164 from Shanghai Railway Station to Lhasa Railway Station. The whole journey is about 4,330 kilometers and takes about 44.5 hours. The soft sleeper costs NZD 332.
Qinghai Tibet Railway
Enjoy the view of the Tibetan plateau from a Tibet train.

Auckland - Guangzhou - Lhasa

There is one international flight from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) every day. The flight time is about 12 hours, and it arrives the next day. The average economy class is from NZD 610 to NZD 1900. Usually, there are 2 flights from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) every day, with a layover in Diqing or Chongqing. The flight time is about 6 hours, and it arrives on the same day. The average economy class is about NZD 710. You can also take a train from Guangzhou to Lhasa. The whole journey is about 4,980 kilometers and takes about 54 hours. The soft sleeper costs NZD 390.

Travel to Tibet Via Nepal

For those New Zealanders who would like to visit Nepal and Tibet, flying from New Zealand to Kathmandu, Nepal and then to Tibet is a popular route. From Auckland Airport (AKL) to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), there are 1-2 connecting flights per day via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, taking 18 hours with an average price from NZD 710 to NZD 2040 (Economy Class). After that, you can take the only international flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa, taking only about 1.5 hours. Currently, there are flights available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The average economy class is from NZD 615 to NZD 1190.

You can also travel by land from Nepal to Tibet. Take a jeep from Kathmandu to Tibet via the Gyirong border. You will get through dramatic landscapes, including lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, and remote Tibetan villages. Spanning about 1,000 km, the route offers highlights like Everest Base Camp, Yamdrok Lake, and ancient monasteries, blending natural beauty with cultural exploration.

Documents to Enter Tibet

New Zealanders need to entrust a Tibet travel agency to apply for a Tibet Permit to enter Tibet. Only the travel agency that arranges your tour can secure your permit, with your passport & Chinese visa.
And you also need a China visa. Right now, visitors from New Zealand are entitled to a 30-day visa-free so you just need your passport to obtain a Tibet travel permit and enter China if you are staying within 30 days. If your stay exceeds 30 days, you still need to apply for a China visa. You may need to fill in your info online for China Online Visa Application then go to Auckland/Christchurch/Wellington for the interview at an appointed moment.
For Kiwis traveling to Tibet from Nepal by land, you need to apply for a China Group Visa in Kathmandu. China Group Visa application requires an Invitation Letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau which can be applied only through a local Tibet travel agency. In addition, it requires at least 4 applicants. Travelers on the same Group Visa should exit China at the pre-arranged city together. It usually takes 3 working days to apply for a China Group Visa. After obtaining a China Group Visa, you can go to Tibet by road.
For Kiwis traveling to Tibet from Nepal by flight, you don't have to apply for a China group visa and enjoy the China visa-free policy within 30 days.

Conclusions

Traveling from New Zealand to Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual significance. Whether you journey via mainland China or Nepal, careful planning of your routes, permits, and acclimatization is essential. The 30-day visa-free policy for New Zealanders makes this adventure even more accessible.

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