I am New Zealand citizen and hold New Zealand passport.

Peter, you need to apply for a tourist L type for that.
You should first prepare the required documents including passport and its copy, the filled-out application form, a passport-style photo, travel plan, hotel reservation, flight itinerary.
Next, submit the application to China embassy.

Thanks very much for your help.
Please advise how can I obtain tourist L type form.
Do I need any letter from my friend in China.

You can download the application form at this website or at the official website of China embassy in New Zealand.
You can ask your friend to issue an invitation letter to you, and then you may not need to provide flight itinerary and hotel reservation.

Thanks for your kind help
Thank You