German tourists overwhelmed by generosity

Offers have flooded in to help four German tourists whose belongings were stolen in Rotorua, with one man buying them a car for the rest of their time in New Zealand.

The quartet have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown to them, saying the good things that have come from the theft have left them stunned.

Their sentiments have been echoed by two Israeli tourists who had almost everything replaced after their car was stolen at Tikitapu (Blue Lake) more than two weeks ago.

In the latest incident, the German girls -- Julia Egleder, Petra Segl, Stephanie Moeller, all 20, and Ursla Kronfeldner, 19 -- had their van stolen from the central business district on Saturday night.

Since their plight was made public they have received offers of money, clothes and free entry into tourist attractions. But their biggest surprise came yesterday when Auckland businessman Tom Rutherford bought them a car.

Mr Rutherford said he was sick of hearing about tourists having everything stolen and wanted to do something for them to "get them on their feet".

Israeli tourists Hallel Sella, 22, and Natalie Shtrubel, 29, were distraught at the theft of their van because they lost mementos from the past year's travels along with their belongings.

Although their car has been found, their belongings are still missing.

The pair were lent a car by a Taupo man for two weeks.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)