Two male backpackers are in hospital with serious wounds after being stabbed in Taupo on Thursday night.
Police say a man approached two separate groups of backpackers on the street and demanded they hand over property.
He then stabbed a member of each group, before fleeing empty-handed.
Police believe the same man earlier approached a staff member at the Cosmopolitan club and threatened him with a knife.
Inspector Steve Bullock says a man, 19, has been arrested for assault.
