Chinese tourists have overtaken Japanese as the fourth-biggest source of tourist arrivals in New Zealand.

Statistics New Zealand says Chinese numbers grew by 15% last year while those from Japan fell by 10%.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton says many Chinese visitors arrive from a holiday in Australia and spend only three days here.

He says work is being carried out to promote New Zealand as a longer holiday destination.

Mr Hickton says the economy, exchange rates and the rising cost of holidays are to blame for the falling numbers of visitors from Japan.