New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on his first visit to the country since taking office in January.

Hipkins' visit comes as New Zealand is trying to walk a fine diplomatic line amid the growing rivalry between China and the United States.

In their talks on Tuesday, the two leaders hailed the fact their countries had marked 50 years of diplomatic relations last year.

Xi said both sides need to work together "to embark on a new 50 years of bilateral relations, and promote the steady development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand."

Hipkins stressed that the bilateral relationship is "multifaceted, encompassing significant economic, people-to-people, and cultural connections."

New Zealand officials say the meeting focused on reaffirming and renewing business ties with the country's biggest trading partner. They say it also covered cooperation in areas such as education, innovation and tourism.

New Zealand's interactions with China have remained publicly cordial, unlike those between China and the US and Australia. But calls are growing for Wellington to reduce its reliance on Beijing, as geopolitical tensions grow.

In the meeting, Hipkins also raised the importance of a rules-based international order, as well as China's constructive role in addressing global challenges, such as the war in Ukraine.

Hipkins led a large business delegation on the five-day trip. He also visited Tianjin near Beijing to speak at an annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, often called the "Summer Davos."