Police want to hear from the victim of an apparent racial attack and anyone who witnessed the incident at Puzzling World in Wanaka on Saturday afternoon.

An Australian tourist was assaulted and abused after intervening in a racial attack at Wanaka's Puzzling World, police say.

Three men assaulted the man when he intervened in what appeared to be a racially-targeted verbal altercation, Detective Alan Lee said.

The attack happened about 3.30pm on Saturday.

Medical professionals checked the man, who was not seriously injured, Lee said.

The victim of the racial abuse, believed to be of Indian descent, has not been identified.

Police wanted to hear from this man or anyone who witnessed the incident.

They wanted to hear from anyone who saw a black Mazda ute with the registration plate ABA406.

The ute had a quad bike on the back at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to call Wanaka police on (03) 443 7272 or email Alan.Lee@police.govt.nz