Tourists 'traumatised' after attack at McLaren Falls

The two overseas visitors were attacked at McLaren Falls yesterday. Photo / George Novak

Two tourists attacked while camping at a popular Bay reserve will continue on their separate journeys despite their "traumatic" ordeal.

Tauranga police Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier said the European man and Asian woman had been travelling separately and were both sleeping in vehicles at the McLaren Falls Park when they were robbed about 6am yesterday.

The incident is believed to be the first of its kind at the scenic reserve.

Mr Brazier said the offender tried to steal the man's van as he slept. However, the victim confronted him and the two got into a struggle.

The offender then left before returning about 30 minutes later and approaching the woman.

Mr Brazier said the man demanded her vehicle but when she did not hand it over he stole some personal items from her.

The victims were traumatised but not physically injured, Mr Brazier said. They were receiving counselling from Victim Support.

"They are both here for a couple of days, then moving on their way," said Mr Brazier. "They don't know each other. They just happened to be camping at the same place."

Mayor Stuart Crosby said the attack was the first of its type at McLaren Falls.

"I am appalled by this attack on people visiting our community and hope the people involved recover from the ordeal quickly," he said. "McLaren Falls Park is a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy. This was an isolated incident and we would hate for it to influence people's enjoyment of the park."

Mr Crosby said he was aware that cars had been broken into "but this is the first time we are aware of that something like this has happened".

Tourism Bay of Plenty communications and marketing manager Kristin Dunne said it was a sad incident.

"We feel for the victims involved in these distressing incidents and express our sympathy ..." she said.

"As a community we pride ourselves on the beauty and safety of our region and welcoming visitors to it.

"We know the community will be rallying around the victims to show our true Bay of Plenty spirit, so this random incident does not leave a lasting impression."

• A 28-year-old man has been arrested and expected to appear in Tauranga District Court today charged with robbery and assault with intent to rob.

McLaren Falls Park
The McLaren Falls popular reserve is patrolled during the weekend and there are random patrols at night. A council staff member lives on site and the gates to the park are closed at 7.30pm in the summer and 5.30pm in winter.