A 29-year-old man appeared in Gisborne District Court this afternoon facing five charges in relation to a sex attack on two teenage English tourists in the tiny east coast seaside settlement of Tokomaru Bay.
The attack happened about 1am on Friday, when a man forced his way into the women's campervan, which they had parked by the beach at Tokomaru Bay.
Detective Sergeant Kevin Ford, of Gisborne police, said the pair were subjected to indecencies over a two-hour period by the man.
Police described it as a "sickening" attack.
The 29-year-old accused man from Tokomaru Bay handed himself in to Gisborne police station this morning.
He was charged with three counts of sexual violation and two of kidnapping and was remanded in custody.
Mr Ford said further charges were likely.
The women, who received minor injuries in the attack, arrived in New Zealand 10 days ago for a month-long holiday.
They were checked by a doctor and spent the weekend in a Gisborne motel before leaving this morning to continue their travels.
"They are remarkable women," Mr Ford said.
