Taupo Police are investigating an aggravated robbery of the Lucky Lizard Bar & Grill at the Richmond Heights Shopping Centre in Taupo.
Three masked men robbed the bar around 9:20pm on Sunday.
The men were all armed - one with a sawn-off shotgun, and the other two with knives.
The sole worker, who was in the process of closing up for the night, was forced to open the tills and safe.
Two of the offenders removed the day's takings, while the third offender remained near the bar entrance.
The three men then ran from the bar around to the rear of the bar and into the nearby reserve. The worker was not injured during the robbery.
The men are described as either solid or stocky build and between 167cm and 177cm in height.
They were dressed in dark clothing with their faces and hands covered.
At the time of the robbery there were a number of people at the shopping centre and police are asking those with information to come forward.
If you have any information which might assist the investigation, please call Taupo Police on (07) 378 6060. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.