More Chinese tourists came to New Zealand in August this year than in any other August on record, Statistics New Zealand said on Tuesday.

Figures released by Statistics New Zealand showed visitor numbers rose from 4,600 in August last year to 9,700 this August, surpassing the previous high of 9,000 visitors in August 2007.

Statistics New Zealand links the rise to a recovery from the global economic downturn and the influenza A/H1N1 pandemic.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said he expected Chinese tourist numbers to grow strongly for the rest of the year and into 2011.