A Rotorua man has been described as being in the "wrong place at the wrong time" after he was assaulted while sitting in his vehicle.
Rotorua police Senior Sergeant Geoff Barnett said the man had driven to the Waipa mountain bike carpark area late on Thursday night.
"He'd gone for some time out after having an argument at home," Mr Barnett said.
"He's been assaulted by what looks like two men and struck [in the head] with an object that could have been a sawn-off shotgun or an object resembling a firearm."
He said the man was able to start his vehicle and drive off, before calling the police. He was treated at Rotorua Hospital and discharged.
Mr Barnett said police were carrying out a forensic examination of the man's vehicle and appealed for anyone who knew anything about the assault to report it to police.
As it was dark, the victim did not know if his attackers were already there or arrived after him.
"It's a situation that's come out of being in the wrong place at the wrong time," Mr Barnett said.
"He's done well to keep himself safe. It's quite a random thing to happen."
Anyone who has any information about the assault should call police on (07) 348 0099.