Dunedin's hosting more visitors than this time last year, with commercial accommodation nights up almost 3%.

The rise in tourists is being led by New Zealanders visiting the city, as opposed to foreigners.

Domestic guest nights have increased 10%, while the international equivalent is down by 5%.

However many local tourism providers are reporting increased trade from the Chinese market, as a result of the recent Chinese New Year.

It's the time many Chinese people take holidays.

Over the last year New Zealand's seen an increase in guest nights of about 5%.

And the growth in the tourism sector is expected to continue.