Police in Bay of Plenty have released the registration number of a car thought to have been used during the assault and robbery of two French tourists on Saturday.
The two French men were hitchhiking from Mount Maunganui to Rotorua when they were picked up by two men in a black older model car.
Police believe the car's registration number is ZR9879, or something similar.
Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier says that number is registered to a black coloured Nissan Pulsar and enquiries are continuing into the vehicle.
The two tourists had their money, passports, some clothing and other possessions stolen but have told police they are very thankful for the many offers of assistance from within Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Hawke's Bay.
The men in the car are described as Maori or Pacific Islanders, both aged between 20 and 30 years old.
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby says he is disgusted and upset by the incident.
