Bain admits love is hard to find in NZ

David Bain. Photo / Janna Dixon

David Bain has spoken out about his search for love and the difficulties of dating in a country where most people know his name.

The 34-year-old, who in 2009 was acquitted of the slaying of his parents and three siblings, talks about his struggle with love in this week's New Idea magazine.

He also touches on his money difficulties, saying he has had to start from scratch.

After spending 13 years in prison, Mr Bain said finding someone special was not easy.

"Any girl in New Zealand who wants to know me has to prove to me first [that] it's not about [my past and profile]," he said.

"I don't go chasing romance, I don't go cruising the bars looking for somebody who is going to be a quick fling.

"I am looking for the right person. I believe in the magical aspect of the closeness of a relationship."

He has, however, been linked to at least two women since leaving prison.

"One was Kiwi and one American."

He admits the American woman never knew about his past and that the relationship was more of a holiday fling.

He said there had been "a couple of uncomfortable situations" while being out and about.

"Walking around the streets of New Zealand, my guard is always up - it's a protective thing."

People still questioned him "all the time" about his family tragedy.

"These are people who obviously don't believe that I'm innocent. They have their own opinion and they're perfectly entitled to believe that."

Partly to get away from the unwanted attention, he travelled to Europe for three months.

Going overseas gave him a much-needed opportunity to be anonymous, he said.

"I was just another tourist ... I didn't want to come back."