Second robbery of tourists in Bay of Islands

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A 23-year-old Canadian tourist has been assaulted and robbed in the Bay of Islands - the second incident of its type in the holidaying hotspot this week.

Police say the man was targeted after he befriended a group at a Paihia bar overnight.

The victim met the group at bars along Kings Rd and agreed to go in their vehicle towards Kawakawa, ostensibly to go to a party.

However, the vehicle was stopped a few miles out of town and the victim was robbed of the cash in his wallet and left on the side of the road.

A police patrol car picked him up a short time later.

The incident comes after three English tourists were robbed at knifepoint in Paihia and had their silver Subaru station wagon stolen from them on Sunday morning.

"The actions of these offenders are not only causing harm to the victims, but also to the residents and businesses in the area," said Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston.

Mr Johnston said the suspects were all described as male Maori, with the driver of the white hatchback car being described as large and overweight.

He believed a number of locals would know the robbers and urged them to get in touch with police to stop the "appalling behaviour".

Police were investigating whether the robberies were connected but said there was nothing confirm that yet.

Anyone with information can contact Kerikeri police on 09 407 4923 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.