Armed robbers target tourists

Australian tourists parked in their campervan at a West Coast camping spot were confronted by two men last night demanding alcohol, money and their van. File photo / NZ Herald

Two men allegedly demanded alcohol and money at gunpoint from Australian tourists parked in their campervan at a West Coast camping spot, police say.

West Coast area commander Inspector John Canning said the men approached the tourists at a freedom camping site at the end of the Cobden Bridge last night, said they had a gun and demanded alcohol, money and their van.

Police located the alleged offenders soon after.

Stevin Dodd, 18, of Kaiata and George Watts, 19, of a Christchurch, made a brief appearance in the Greymouth District Court this morning.

They entered no pleas to being armed with something appearing to be an offensive weapon, namely a pistol, and robbing the Australian tourists of a box of beer.

The pair were remanded in custody - Dodd until November 22 in Greymouth, and Watts until November 17 at a hearing in Christchurch Men's Prison.

Mr Canning said victims were young and "very shaken up" by the incident, he said.

"They did not come here to be treated like this - they are both very frightened."

Victim Support was giving support and "a number of locals had come forward offering any help they could."

Rapahoe camping ground owner Jan Fletcher said another couple staying in the same area were frightened off because of what happened.

Mrs Fletcher said they told her that they had seen a knife and a gun as well as the attack - "and they did a runner and stayed with us".