Japanese tourists viciously bashed in Rotorua

  • 01/11/2016
Kuirau Park, Rotorua (Wiki Commons)
Kuirau Park, Rotorua (Wiki Commons)

A man had his jaw broken and a woman had thousands of dollars' worth of belongings stolen during a viscous assault at Kuirau Park in Rotorua on the weekend.

The Japanese tourists were attacked around 6pm on Saturday at the tourist hotspot by three men said to be aged in their twenties.

The male victim was punched in the face while the woman was pushed to the ground and had her bag stolen.

The grey Puma bag held cash as well as a number of personal items including an iPad Air, iPhone 5 and a camera.

The three alleged offenders are described as Maori and are believed to have been travelling in a large light blue vehicle, which turned into Tarewa Road from Kuirau Park.

Kuirau Park is a free-geothermal park which is popular with tourists. It features a large number of fenced off hot pools and bubbling mud pits along the walk. 

Police are now appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is asked to call Rotorua Police on 07 349 9400.

Newshub.