Tourists have borne the brunt of recent thefts from cars between Wanaka and South Westland.
Police are seeking information from the public to try to apprehend those responsible.
A mini crime spree of vehicle break-ins has taken place over the last two days, with several cars, a campervan, and an earth-moving machine targeted along State Highway 6.
Constable Bruce McLean said portable electronic equipment and personal items were stolen from vehicles parked at the scenic tourist lookout stop of Fantail Falls, north of Makarora, and Boundary Creek, on Lake Wanaka.
Thieves had broken into the parked vehicles during daytime to access belongings.
The value of stolen items was estimated in the thousands of dollars by the owners, Const McLean said.
Police are advising motorists not to leave valuable items in vehicles.
