An English tourist attacked by a teenager while walking on Waiheke Island yesterday had been in the country only a few days, police say.
Sergeant Peter Knight said the 29-year-old was on a walking track between Delamore Drive and Owhanake Bay, near Oneroa, yesterday afternoon.
"It's a reasonably used track but it's not the busiest on the island."
A 17-year-old charged with injuring with intent and sexually violating the woman is due to appear in Auckland District Court this afternoon.
Mr Knight said the woman managed to escape and get help from builders working nearby. They called police who found the accused at the other end of the track shortly afterwards.
Mr Knight said the woman had planned to stay on Waiheke for a night or two but had gone back to the mainland following the incident.
"She's pretty shaken up, obviously."
Mr Knight said the incident was concerning but moved to reassure the public.
"We have the person who we believe is responsible in custody so they have no reason to fear him."
