Tourist John Lopez is asking for help to find his backpack after leaving it on a bus. It contained his passport, an iPad and a Canon 60 mark 2 camera.

He left the black backpack on an Intercity bus travelling from Auckland to Tauranga on Tuesday.

He got off the bus in Te Puna at 11.30am, but didn't realise it was missing for 15 to 20 mins.

John and his wife Amanda, originally from Tauranga, are visiting from Ecuador for a family reunion.

Prior to visiting New Zealand, John had been travelling with his family and says the photos on the camera are irreplaceable.

'The photos are impossible to get back. It's the trip of a lifetime for me.”

He says even if he could just get the memory cards back he would be happy.

The couple are due to fly back to Ecuador next week so John has applied for an emergency passport.

John has contacted police and the bus company.

It's a 50 litre black Kipsta brand backpack with a hard back. If you have any information please contact John via email jj.ll.ec@gmail.com.

Items can also be handed in to your local police station.