Police seek information on Tuatapere knife attack

Police are hoping the release of a picture of the filleting knife that may have been used in the hold-up of two Dutch tourists in the small western Southland town of Tuatapere early yesterday morning, will elicit further information from the public.

Detective Sergeant David Nelson, of Invercargill, said the knife was found near the scene of the attack.

"If any one has information about where the knife originated from we would like to know about it."

He confirmed the 22-year-old female victim was raped, before she and her partner, a 25-year-old man, were robbed at knifepoint and their attacker ran off.

Police described the attacker, who had his face covered, as a having a 'square-shaped head', believed to be an olive-skinned Caucasian or light-skinned Polynesian or Maori man.

Police are still in the area today speaking to locals.

The alleged attacker entered the vehicle the pair were sleeping in about 6.40am.

The victims are being very well looked after in the traditional Southern way, and by other agencies including Tourism New Zealand, Victim Support, the Holiday Parks Association and the Dutch Embassy, said Det Sgt Nelson.

They planned to continue their trip around New Zealand.