Police in Canterbury are continuing their investigation into the assault of two tourists by a group of men in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The men were discharged from Christchurch Hospital on Sunday.
Detective Sergeant Nicola Reeves says the two men, one French and the other British, were lucky to not be more seriously injured during the violent assault.
"It was a brutal assault," Ms Reeves said. "The motive is unknown but it appears to be unprovoked. Police are always concerned around these types of assaults, regardless of whether they are a New Zealand citizen or a tourist - but obviously being a tourist has ramifications for how New Zealand is viewed abroad."
Ms Reeves said the police were reviewing CCTV footage.
She said the French tourist was nearing the end of his planned trip and was understood to be making his way home as scheduled.
Ms Reeves said the British tourist had also left Christchurch.
Anyone with any information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
