A man in his 70s was brutally attacked while visiting the Port Hills over the weekend.

The victim was on Summit Road at the top of the Rapaki Track, taking night-time photographs when he was approached and assaulted by another man between 11 pm on Saturday night (20 July) and 7 am early Sunday morning (21 July).

Christchurch Police are seeking public assistance to identify the suspect and his vehicle.

The offender is believed to have driven to the area in a combi-style van and had two dogs with him.

The victim sustained serious head and facial injuries and is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident or a description of the vehicle to contact the investigation team.

They are also interested in any dashcam footage from motorists travelling on Dyers Pass Road to the west side of Summit Road between 11 pm on Saturday and 7 am on Sunday.

Anyone with information can contact Police by calling 105 or online by clicking ‘Update Report’ at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and referencing file number 240721/6138.