The 18-year-old joined League One (third tier) leaders Brighton on loan until Janury 3 after another loan deal with second-tier Barnsley was terminated earlier this month by mutual consent.
He scored from the penalty spot in his first appearance on Saturday, a 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers at Brighton’s Withdean Stadium home.
“I’m very happy to be here because it’s been a rough couple of months for me,” he told the club’s official website. “I’m looking to have a fresh start and a new beginning.
“It’s going to be a new challenge for me because I haven’t played consistently in League One before. It’s all about trying to get regular football and hopefully getting onto a good run of form and scoring some goals.”
Wood was a substitute in New Zealand’s three matches at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and nearly scored against defending champions Italy after coming off the bench.
He was initially loaned to Barnsley by his English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion earlier this year. He made seven appearances for the Yorkshire side but did not score a goal.
“It is no secret that we have been working to bring another striker to the club and Chris is a player we have been aware of for a long time,” Brighton manager Gus Poyet said.
“He is highly thought of by those at West Brom and we have been working to get him here for a while. He is a big, strong, powerful forward and will give us something different in terms of attacking options.”
Former Hamilton Wanderers star Wood turns 19 next month and had an impressive finish to last season, helping the Baggies clinch promotion back to the Premier League and winning the club’s Young Player of the Season award.
His exploits were also recognised at home when he received the same award from New Zealand Football in May.
He says playing under the tutelage of former Chelsea midfielder and Uruguay international Poyet will be a great opportunity.
“I already knew a few things about the club and I was a Chelsea fan growing up, so I know all about Gus Poyet and his playing qualities.
“The team is not a typical League One side that just hoof it long. They look to play and that’s something I’m looking forward to. Hopefully, I’ll get a lot of the ball.”
To track Wood’s progress at Brighton check in regularly at www.seagulls.co.uk