visa for CHINA for non NZ citizens, in CHRISTCHURCH

Hello, we are FRENCH,and spend 5 months in Christchurch from november 17 to beginning MAY 18 and then BEIJING (10 days):can we apply for tourist L type,one entry)in Christchurch consular service OR By mail or internet in WELLINGTON and pay by VISA card? If not, do we have to go to Wellington ?Thanks for your answer, as the visa is valid for 3 months, we cannot apply from France.l