The group of rowdy travellers who allegedly abused Kiwi beachgoers and ripped off restaurants claim they came to New Zealand to see "the Hobbits" and are cutting their trip short.
The tourists have been under a national spotlight after leaving piles of rubbish on Takapuna Beach and allegedly abusing a woman who questioned their behaviour on Sunday. The group have also been accused of refusing to pay restaurant bills and causing trouble in a Hamilton Burger King.
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But on Tuesday they claimed they were the victims and say one of their children was assaulted at Takapuna Beach.
Speaking to NZME, one of the group members, John Johnson, said his eight-year-old nephew was "slapped" by another boy at the North Shore beach and as they left intimidated, were abused by other beachgoers.
Another member of the group, David, also denied the travellers were Irish gypsies and were instead English citizens in New Zealand for a two week holiday.
But those plans now seem to have been cut short, with the group planning to head off on Wednesday.
- Do you have more information about the group? Contact news@newshub.co.nz.
"We're here to see the Hobbits ... I've been looking at the Hobbits my whole life, since I'm born, that was originally what our plans was but it's all been f***** up now ... I feel very unwelcome here. I feel like an Alien invader, I don't feel happy and I'm far from Irish," John told NZME.
The group were confronted on Tuesday by police and immigration officers at a Hamilton Burger King after reportedly causing trouble for staff. On Monday they were told to "f**k off" from a Hamilton car yard after attempting to trade in their vehicles.
Newshub.
