A German tourist's trip of a lifetime around New Zealand has been brought to a screeching halt after all his belongings were stolen from his campsite.
Michael Kessel has been cycling around the world and had intended to cycle the length of New Zealand - that was until his bike was stolen.
He told AM he arrived in New Zealand on September 15 and was planning on being in the country until November 28.
Kessel planned to cycle around New Zealand and go on hikes before flying to Singapore to ride through Asia.
He said his specialist bike - which he named 'Paula' - was worth $10,000 while his bags his passport and COVID-19 vaccination pass were also stolen.
Kessel told AM on Thursday he heard noises at about 1:30am but has "no idea" how his stuff was stolen from the Orewa campsite.
He said his bags and bike were strapped to a tree outside his tent.
"I have earbuds in my ears because it was so windy and the ocean was so noisy," he told AM co-host Melissa Chan-Green.
"People must come in the night and get the bike. I wake up in the morning - 7am and all is gone."
He said he didn't have any travel insurance and couldn't believe all his belongings have been stolen.
Kessel said he's travelled all around the world and he's never had his things stolen before.
"I'm very sad, that I have lost all of the things. I cycle across Europe, Morocco, USA, Australia and it's never been the problem that people want to steal something," he said. "I'm completely shocked when I wake up and… realise all my stuff, all my life that is on bike is away [sic]."
He said he has gone to the police and made a report but doesn't have a good feeling about the outcome.
"So I search by myself here in town - in Orewa - and hire a bicycle and cycle around. Maybe I can see a bag or something else of my stuff but nothing now."
Kessel said if anyone has information about his stolen belongings, the best way to contact him is through the Orewa campsite which has helped him through this ordeal.
"The manager of the campground is very helpful. He gives me my money back for this night and he will give me a cabin… I can stay a bit so I can search for my bike,
"I must send an email to my consulate because of the passport and there are many things to do. "A couple of people will come to the campground today and bring me a warm jacket. I have no rain jacket and will get some clothes today from very nice people here in town."
Watch the full interview with Michael Kessel above.
