Car erupts into flames for French tourist

A French tourist got a shock when a vehicle he bought erupted into flames while he was out sightseeing in Northland.

The incident happened about 4pm on Thursday on top of Radar Hill, between Matauri Bay and Tauranga Bay.

Kaeo fire chief Lindsay Murray said the man sought help from owners of a nearby house who tried to put the fire out using an extinguisher but failed.

When firefighters arrived, the fire in the people-mover had taken hold.

The tourist was staying in backpackers' accommodation about 100 metres down the hill.