A driver has been found on the side of the road after being bashed by a hitchhiker they picked up.

Police are looking for anyone who saw a person thumbing a ride around the Gisborne Park Golf Club on Sunday.

They say he is in his 30s, has a solid build with short cropped hair and a moko.

Police say the driver's car and belongings were taken by the hitchhiker after the assault.

It's thought they may have been going to Hawke's Bay, Manawatu or even Rotorua.

The car is a 2005 Nissan Wingroad with the number plate FQL20.

The driver is still in hospital.