Christchurch International Airport continues to be the gateway to the south for international visitors.

A new report from Statistics New Zealand shows Christchurch had more than 555,0000 visitors from abroad for the year to May, up almost 10 per cent to the year prior.

One of the big contributors to the increase has been Chinese visitors. More than 53,000 tourists from China landed at Christchurch Airport in that time period, three times as many as the same time measured four years ago.

Christchurch Airport's Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson says Chinese visitors are a big boost to the South Island economy.

"They spend a lot more, they travel around a lot more, so they leave a lot of money in the regions of the South Island, so the extra focus we've put on the Chinese market over the last two or three years is really paying off."

Watson says increased airline capacity has also been a big reason behind the boost in numbers.

"Emirates put on their A380 daily, the likes of Qantas have grown significantly, we've had the arrival of Cathay Pacific for the first time. That all helps to give more options for people to get to the South Island."

Despite the success, the airport is keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to new relationships with airlines.

Watson says the focus for now is working closer with existing partners.

"We like to see that growth continue. Where we go from here, watch this space, but certainly the growth is encouraging."