Paul Speakman with his son Christian, 12, after the attackA TROWBRIDGE father was attacked just hours after he and his son arrived in New Zealand, where they had planned to live.

Paul Speakman and his 12-year-old son Christian landed on Monday to explore the country.

Hours after they arrived, three robbers smashed the windows of their camper van, parked near Waihi in central North Island and demanded money.

They beat Mr Speakman with a crowbar and forced him to hand over cameras, suitcases, traveller's cheques and passports.

Mr Speakman who needed stitches in his temple and lower lip said he was "emotionally wrecked" by the attack.

He said: "I was in survival mode and all I could think about was the safety of my son. Survival was my only thought.

"One of the men said: 'If you don't give me your wallet I'll take you down to the creek and drown the both of you'."

Mr Speakman and Christian were saved when a car drove past causing the assailants to flee. Motorist Owen Chapman saw the unlucky pair and since they came out of hospital has looked after them.

Mr Speakman said he and his son are still deciding to whether to move.

Four men were arrested in connection with the attack and a separate robbery.