A Mount Maunganui man charged with the aggravated robbery of two French tourists has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Che Bridger, 24, appeared in the Tauranga District Court today where his lawyer Tony Balme entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

The two French tourists were allegedly beaten and robbed behind this abandoned service station.

Tony says his client plans to defend the charges due to a lack of evidence the presented by police prosecution.

Judge Louis Bidois noted the plea and remanded Bridger in custody until a defended hearing on February 4.

His co-accused, Bo-Tamati Rawiri, 26, from Ngraruwahia, has already pleaded guilty to the charges and will appear in the Tauranga District Court on December 5 for sentencing.

Rawiri and Bridger have been in voluntary custody since they were arrested following the attack on two French tourists in July.

The two French tourists were hitchhiking from Tauranga to Rotorua when they were picked up by two men in a vehicle on the afternoon of Saturday, July 7.

They were driven to an abandoned Shell service station on State Highway 2 near Welcome Bay Road in Papamoa where they were allegedly beaten and robbed.

The two 21-year-old tourists suffered minor injuries and had their packs, clothing, passports and cash and cards stolen.

The tourists continued on their New Zealand holiday following the attack.