Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, with an entourage of dignitaries and officials from Beijing and Wellington, plus Chinese media, visited the Wakatipu as part of a national goodwill tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Mr Jia was the guest of Acting Prime Minister and Clutha Southland MP Bill English in Wellington last night, after the party visited the historic Chinese settlement and the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown on Sunday and chartered the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm yesterday.
The Wakatipu tour came after weeks of tight-lipped security preparation. The police and press presence surrounding the chairman caused a stir wherever he went.
Real Journeys international sales manager Tony McQuilkin, of Queenstown, yesterday said the Earnslaw and Walter Peak operator was "delighted" with the visit and it was "very significant" the chairman came to Queenstown.
"The fact it was such a nice day and he enjoyed himself at Walter Peak was important, but in terms of dealing with Chinese business, so much of it is about reputation.
"When Chairman Jia comes to Queenstown and travels on the Earnslaw to Walter Peak, it's quite significant for the other players in the Chinese tourism industry to New Zealand, which is very helpful."
Mr McQuilkin said many photographs were taken by all aboard the relaxed cruise and on the farm visit, and he had heard how unusual it was for Chinese people to have the chance to be photographed with the chairman.
Mr Jia was shown around the historic steamship, from the wheelhouse down to the engine room. The VIP spoke through an interpreter and enjoyed the sheep-shearing demonstration and being outside in the fresh air and fine weather, Mr McQuilkin said.
The chairman presented a hand painting of a panda on silk to Mr McQuilkin on behalf of Real Journeys, "which is most appreciated. I'm sure we'll hang it up at Walter Peak".
Chinese tourism was the fastest-growing market in New Zealand and it was important for Queenstown to continue to attract a greater percentage of Chinese business South, Mr McQuilkin said.
"Only about 23% of Chinese visitors to New Zealand will come to the South Island. That signals to you that something like 75% of Chinese visitors don't come this far South, and the scenery and all the attractions down here are exactly what they wish."
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden, museum director David Clarke and Chinese historian James Ng, of Dunedin, greeted Mr Jia and his entourage in Arrowtown.
Mr Clarke said it was clear the chairman was "absolutely blown away" when he saw the autumnal colours in the village, and he had expressed interest in the history of Chinese gold miners and business owners.
Two busloads of Chinese tourists happened to be nearby and flocked to Mr Jia, cameras in hand.
"He's obviously highly recognised in China," Mr Clarke said.
After a walk from the settlement along Buckingham St with the mayor, Dr Ng gave the chairman an interpreted talk about Chinese migration to Otago.
"Before [Mr Jia] left, he shook my hand and said, 'This place is just beautiful. I can imagine there's going to be lots of Chinese visitors coming to this part of the world,"' Mr Clarke said.
"I said, 'That's great. We'll be here to welcome them."'
