Four in court over Far North tourist assault

The three Chinese tourists were robbed at knifepoint on a remote stretch of road in the Far North, police say. Photo / Martin Sykes

Police have charged a fourth man after an attack on Chinese tourists in the Far North last Friday.

The 22-year-old walked into Kaitaia Police Station this morning and handed himself in, Detective Sergeant Trevor Beatson of Kaitaia police said.

He would appear with the other three men, aged 19, 20, and 25, in Kaitaia District Court later today. All are charged with aggravated robbery.

Police made the initial three arrests after executing search warrants last night.

Mr Beatson said police found foreign currency and personal items which they believe belong to the tourists.

The three Chinese tourists were at Te Paki at the top of the North Island last Friday when four men hailed down their car and robbed them.

Police raided Kaitaia homes earlier today and found foreign currency and personal items belonging to the tourists.

Mr Beatson said the victims were happy with the arrests, which police had been keen to execute before the tourists left New Zealand.

- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF