German man accidentally shot near Gisborne

File photo / NZ Herald

A 22-year-old German visitor is in a critical condition after he was accidentally shot while hunting near Gisborne.

Police said the man was shot with a high powered rifle while part of a group hunting goats at Waihirere at about 5.45pm.

The victim was taken to Gisborne Hospital by his hunting companions

Police said he is in a critical condition.

The man is currently in New Zealand on holiday and Interpol have been asked to make contact with his family in Germany.

Police said it was too early to provide any further details about the shooting at this stage, including who may have fired the weapon, which has been recovered by police.

- nzherald.co.nz