Police are hunting for a man who pointed a firearm at a hotel employee in central Wellington on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Martin Todd says the gunman jumped over the reception counter of the Abel Tasman Hotel and pointed the weapon at the worker about 5am.
The pair struggled before the 26-year-old employee punched the gunman, then managed to get free and seek help.
Mr Todd says the gunman is thought to be European, aged between 25 and 30.
He was wearing a black beanie, a light blue baseball cap with the words Murupara Hotel on it, a fluorescent orange vest and blue jeans.
Police are appealing for any information.
