Two people have been arrested following the aggravated robbery of four tourists near Rotorua on Monday.
The tourists were at a swimming hole at Kerosene Creek, south of the city, when they were robbed of possessions and their car, said Rotorua area commander, Inspector Bruce Horne.
Police recovered the car in Auckland but were still looking for a green, 1999 Rover sedan, registration BHT907, which the robbers used to travel to Kerosene Creek.
Mr Horne said a 25-year-old man from Auckland, who was already being sought by police, and a 22-year-old woman of no fixed abode were arrested.
He said while tourists' vehicles were targeted from time to time, it was unusual for them to be confronted and robbed, and getting such quick arrests was a credit to police and local businesses who had assisted.
"In this particular case, the tourists did the right thing by travelling in a group. They were simply enjoying a local scenic spot when they were approached by a group of people who saw an opportunity to rob them of their belongings and a car."
Mr Horne said the victims were shaken but not hurt, and planned to continue with their travels in Rotorua and New Zealand.
The arrested pair were due to appear today in Hamilton District Court charged with aggravated robbery.
Mr Horne said further arrests were likely and urged anyone who had information about the robbery to contact police.
