Offers of help pour in for van-theft victims

German tourists Angela Biller (left), Julia Hamman, Julia Tontsch and Anja Reindlmeier had little left after their campervan was broken into. Photo / Simon Baker

Parachute jumps, accommodation and clothes from a wife's "large wardrobe" have been offered to the four young German tourists whose belongings were stolen.

Just over two weeks ago, Julia Tontsch, 21, Julia Hamman, 20, Angela Biller, 19, and Anja Reindlmeier, 19, arrived in New Zealand with plans to travel the country.

But while they were parked on High St in Auckland their rented campervan was broken into and their clothes and two passports were stolen.

With little money, the tourists abandoned their tour of New Zealand and went to stay with a woman in Christchurch that Miss Tontsch knew.

Since the young women's plight was published in yesterday's Herald, offers of help have flooded in.

Owen Jackson, breakfast announcer for Port FM radio station in Timaru, raised the issue with his listeners yesterday morning and got a call from Rangitata Island Aerodrome.

The tourists were offered a ride in a Tiger Moth and a parachute jump over South Canterbury - if they felt so inclined.

David Gall said if they returned to Auckland, he could arrange a free 30- to 40-minute scenic flight over the city.

"I heard about their plight and I can only hope other people have kindly offered services to ensure our Kiwi reputation is not tarred for life," Mr Gall said.

An Auckland man came up with a solution to their lost clothing.

He said they could have "spare clothes from my wife's large clothes selection" and that they were welcome to stay with his family if they returned to Auckland.

And baches, rooms and homes in Waiheke, the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Akaroa and in numerous Auckland suburbs were offered.

The story of the tourists' ruined holiday even reached Cairns in Australia, where a family said they were welcome to stay with them if they were ever over that way.