Chinese tourist thought to be missing believed to be in contact with family

A Chinese tourist who has not been seen since she left her Auckland hotel room last week is thought to have made contact with her family.

Ling Fang Mai's family have contacted police in New Zealand to say she phoned them last night to say she was fine.

Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said police still have concerns for the 42-year-old, and want to speak to her in person.

She arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday as part of a tour group.

The rest of the group flew out of the country to Australia on Friday night, but she never showed up. Police believe she is still in New Zealand.

Pascoe said there are "a number of inquiries under way to find her".

"We're keeping an open mind as to where she could be and why she didn't return to her tour party."