Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show the country's exports and imports rose to unexpectedly high levels in February.

The total value of goods sent out of New Zealand last month was more than $3.8 billion dollar, 17% higher than the previous year.

Dairying interests lead the charge, with the largest rise in exports recorded for milk powder, butter and cheese weighing in at 28% higher than 2010.

New Zealand isn't often thought of as an oil producing nation, however crude oil exports rose by more than $100 million dollar, to more than double the level of a year earlier.