Drive from New Zealand to China, Road Trip to China by Car from New Zealand

A road trip from New Zealand to China could be the journey of a lifetime, providing you with the freedom to explore China and surrounding countries just the way you would like to. However, it is fair to say that such a trip also presents a number of significant challenges, from China’s strict laws, to the logistics of crossing the ocean. Yet, by reaching out to a tour operator with local contacts, knowledge of the country’s laws and experience of actually helping clients with such trips, it is perfectly possible to navigate all of the potential roadblocks. In this article, you will find information about the most efficient route and some of the preparation that is necessary.

Once you have your basic route planned out, you will need to start a fairly substantial amount of preparation. One of the big challenges facing anyone hoping to enjoy a road trip from New Zealand to China is the country’s strict laws on foreign drivers using its roads and foreign-registered vehicles being imported to the country. Realistically, to get around these issues, you are going to need to work with a travel company or tour operator that has experience in such matters. In particular, you are going to need assistance when it comes to registering your vehicle for use in China and securing a Chinese driving licence, as the country does not recognise foreign licences.

The first issue involves a significant amount of paperwork. You will need evidence of an up-to-date MOT, as well as photographs of your car or motorcycle from all sides. Upon arrival at the Chinese border, the authorities will also expect you to collect a temporary Chinese number plate, attach this to your vehicle, and have a tour guide willing to accompany you. It is also likely you will be questioned about your itinerary and where you intend to travel. When it comes to securing a Chinese driving licence, it is usually possible for short-term visitors to apply for a temporary licence, avoiding the need for a theory test. However, if you are staying in the country for the longer term, a full licence may be needed. Please be aware that the entire process could take several weeks or even months.

Feasibility of driving from New Zealand to china with own car

Is it possible to travel from New Zealand to China or South East Asia by Motor vehicles? Yes, this is possible. Every year there are people who have done it. They drive normal cars, motor homes, old timer, trucks, buses, vintage cars, pure electric vehicles, and even ride motorcycles to China, India or Southeast Asia.

How to drive into china with a New-Zealand-registered vehicle?

Because China is not a party to the United Nations International Treaty on Land Transport, international driving licenses are not recognized in China. using ATA Carnet or Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) to temporary import the used vehicles of tourists into China is not currently feasible. Tourists’ vehicles need to be registered after entering China and they must obtain temporary Chinese number plates to drive on the road. Therefore, tourists driving in China and driving on Chinese roads usually need to complete the following procedures

Therefore, foreign tourists who want to drive own car/motorbike into China and drive on Chinese roads usually need to complete the following procedures:

• Passport (valid for six months)
• Chinese tourist visa (It is recommended to apply in in your own country, of course, it is also possible in a third country, but if possible, apply in your own country)
• Temporary import of vehicles into China (via a China Travel Agency)
• Apply for a temporary driver’s license in China (via a China Travel Agency)
• Apply for Chinese temporary number plate (via a China Travel Agency)
• Need local guide (via a China Travel Agency)

Chinese travel agencies usually ask for following Materials and documents

• Passport, valid for at least 6 months
• Chinese tourist visa
• Vehicle registration certificate
• Vehicle inspection report (TÜV, MOT, DEKRA, ContrôleTechnique, ITV etc.)
• National driving license (no international driving license required in China)
• Vehicle photos
• ID photo of the driver (people who want to get Chinese temporary driver license)

Apply china visa in New Zealand

You can apply for a Chinese tourist visa(L Visa) in your home country, or you can apply for Chinese tourist visa in a third country on the road. If conditions permit, we always recommend that you apply in your home country. To apply for a Chinese visa in your home country, you need to ensure that your visa is still valid when you reach the Chinese border. Following is place for applying china visa in New Zealand.

Chinese visa application center in New Zeland
Address: 2-6 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand
Postal Address: P.O. Box 17-257, Karori, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: +64-4-4749631
Fax: +64-4-4990419
Emergency call: +64-21-528663
Office Hours: 09:00-12:00, 13:30-16:30, Monday-Friday (except holidays)
Email: info@chinaembassy.org.nz
Website: http://www.chinaembassy.org.nz/eng/

Road trip from New Zealand to China

Your first decision when planning a route for a drive from New Zealand to China will be arranging to have your car or motorcycle shipped over the ocean. There are several options available here, in terms of where to ship your vehicle to, but Singapore and West Malaysia are two of the most popular options, providing easy access to southeast Asia.

After crossing the water, you can start to actually drive towards China. This will likely mean travelling through Thailand, after which you will have options to drive through Laos or Myanmar, before crossing the border into China. Either way, you are likely to cross the border by accessing the Yunnan province.

Some travellers from New Zealand do explore other routes and it may be possible to pass through other countries along the way, with Vietnam being a popular example. Nevertheless, this basic path is likely to be your most efficient option, while still offering you the ability to enjoy a challenging, adventurous road trip. Even factoring in the time spent on a boat, you are going to be required to drive for thousands of miles in total, so you will need to plan out places to rest.

Additionally, you will need to check the specific road laws and visa or entry card requirements for every country you pass through along the way. It is also important to stay mindful of any relevant political tensions in each of the countries you plan to travel through and to steer clear of any avoidable problems.

The following are the most commonly used routes for New Zealand-China:

• Route 1(Shipping your vehicle to Malaysia): Malaysia-Thailand-Laos-China
• Route 2: Shipping your vehicle directly to china

Road trip from New Zealand to India

Route 1(Shipping your vehicle to Malaysia): Malaysia-Thailand-Laos-China-Pakistan-India

Route 2(Shipping your vehicles to Malaysia): Malaysia-Thailand-Laos-China -(entering nepal from tibet) – Nepal – India

Route 3(Shipping your vehicles to Thailand or Myanmar): Thailand – Myanmar – India

Road trip from New Zealand to Europe

Route 1: Malaysia – Thailand – Laos – China – Mongolia – Russia – Europe

Route 2: Malaysia – Thailand – Laos – China – Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan-Russia-Ukraine-Other European countries

Route 3: Malaysia – Thailand – Laos – China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey-Other European countries

*You can ship you vehicle to Malaysia, thailand or china, then continue to europe.