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.

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.