Ten-hour stopover in Guangzhou

Hi to all those in the know, flying to above this Friday from AKL , we have a ten-hour layover, can people advise how easy it is to do a day trip secondly apart from Priority Pass are there any lounges avail on a pay to enter on a walkup basis ( space available). appreciate any guidance as its first time .

Can’t speak on the lounge aspect, but assuming you’re in transit to a 3rd country in Guangzhou (i.e. not NZ), you’re eligible for a 144 hour transit visa on arrival which allows you to get out of the airport to the city, so it should be fine as 10 hours is ample time for a quick visit. From the airport, it then takes about an hour to reach the city by bus/metro/taxi.

As an alternative to a city tour, if flying with China Southern (CZ), I'd enquire about the availability of a complimentary hotel stay. These are generally offered to passengers connecting to either European or US destinations when CZ is the onward carrier and the transit time is in excess of eight (8) hours. They generally offer the Pullman Hotel adjacent to CAN Airport which is recommended. The Pullman has English-speaking staff and a commendable restaurant as well.

The China Southern (ex-SkyTeam) Lounge is pleasant but fairly basic. It is spread over two levels, has showers and sleep rooms, a small dedicated café and smoking area on the entry level. Upstairs is far more spacious, with better furniture. Not sure if they offer paid entry but it is worth a try. BTW, spirits are kept in the bar fridges along with the cans of Coke, mineral water etc. Odd. Choice of wine is usually two (red and white).

In T1 (now used by MU, CA) has a Plaza premium lougne that is very good and has barista coffee.

Yes, you're eligible for the visa-free stopover, although you won't have a lot of time in Guangzhou – one hour to get there, one hour to get back and being at the airport two hours before your flight trims your tourist time back to six hours, without even allowing time get out of the airport or the always-necessary wiggle room. I reckon you'd end up with four hours to check out the city and I have to say, that's not a lot, and to be honest, Guangzhou didn't do a lot for me when I visited a few years back. By all means check out the tourist guides and websites to see if there's anything in Guangzhou which strongly appeals to you and make that the focal point of your visit – it's always nice to get out and stretch your legs, take in some fresh air and a change of scenery between long flights. But there's nothing wrong with just checking into an airport hotel to relax and snooze and hit the pool or the gym, too.

OP is actually likely better eligible for the 24-hr visa which is somewhat less restrictive.