A New Zealander accused of drug-smuggling in China has made his first appearance in court.

Sydney-based Peter Gardner has denied knowingly trying to smuggle more than 30 kilograms of methamphetamine out of China last November.

The 25-year-old claims he purchased a muscle-building supplement and hadn't checked the package before his flight.

But Amnesty International executive director Grant Bayldon points out he could face the death penalty, without his claims being fairly considered.

"China puts more people to death than the rest of the world combined.

"Put that together with a fundamentally flawed justice system, there's a lot to worry about."

Bayldon believes he may not get a fair trial or a chance to appeal.

"There's problems with notice of trials, getting proper legal representation.

"The appeals process in China simply doesn't work most of the time."