A 16 year old has been charged over an alleged sex attack on a woman in Gisborne on New Year's Day.

It happened at the Showgrounds Park Motor Camp on the outskirts of the city.

Police say a 24 year old was attacked in her tent, but managed to fight her assailant off.

He made his escape when other campers arrived to help.

The youth was taken into custody in the city suburb of Kaiti late yesterday.

He's been charged with burglary, injuring with intent to injure and attempted sexual violation.

He's due to appear in the Gisborne Youth Court today and police say they will oppose bail.