Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler welcomed the move, saying it would provide a sizeable boost to visitor arrivals from the fast-growing China market.

"The decision by China Southern Airlines to increase the frequency of flights to daily will be greatly welcomed by tourism businesses in New Zealand, and is testament to the potential the airline sees in our country as an attractive visitor destination, delivering authentic Kiwi relaxing holiday experiences for visitors."

Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman said in a media release that the route was expected to increase the number of visitors on China Southern Airlines to 50,000 a year, worth an estimated $150 million to New Zealand's economy.

"China Southern's decision to increase its schedule to daily flights is a show of commitment in the New Zealand airline market. It also opens up many opportunities for New Zealand tourism in China.

"China is one of New Zealand's fastest growing visitor markets. 123,000 people visited last year - up nearly 17 percent, with those visitors contributing around $365 million a year to the New Zealand economy. Tourism New Zealand has been working with China Southern to promote the new route and the benefits of visiting New Zealand for leisure and business purposes."

Dr Coleman said Immigration New Zealand would have a Visa Acceptance Centre (VAC) operational in Guangzhou by June, and VACs would also be established simultaneously in Beijing and Shanghai to meet the increased demand for immigration services.