China's Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrives in New Zealand on Sunday for a three-day visit.
He will be accompanied by a delegation of 50 people and will visit Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says Mr Li's visit is further evidence of the strength of the economic and political connections between China and New Zealand.
Mr English says trade between the two countries is growing well following the first anniversary of a free-trade agreement.
The Vice Premier will have meetings with Prime Minister John Key and Mr English and attend an official ministerial dinner.
Agreements on educational cooperation, dairy products, temporary workers, and meat products will be signed during the visit.
