An American tourist has been warned the single punch he landed on a man's head, knocking him out, could have been fatal.
Erik Armstrong, 31 appeared before Judge Dominic Flatley in the Queenstown District Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless disregard for the safety of others after punching a Queenstown man on January 5.
Defence lawyer Liam Collins said Armstrong, who was a self-employed videographer from California, delivered a "single strike" to the victim's head.
"He had only arrived two days before the incident ... He is sickened by his actions and not impressed with himself."
Police earlier said the victim was eating a bag of chips about 4am on Searle Lane, a popular late-night venue, when he received a "coward's punch" to the head.
Both parties were affected by alcohol, but the victim was not being chased and was not looking when the punch was thrown,
Collins said both parties were affected by alcohol when the incident happened, and Armstrong "doesn't intend to consume alcohol again".
Judge Dominic Flatley told Armstrong the charge carried a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
"It was one punch that caused the victim to fall backwards, get knocked unconscious and fall on the ground hard. It could have been extremely dangerous. It could have been fatal."
An ongoing campaign running across various media platforms in New Zealand warned that people could be killed by one punch, the judge said.
Armstrong had already done some community work on a voluntary basis.
The judge ordered him to pay "hefty" but "reasonable" reparation of $3062 to cover medical costs and the emotional harm the victim suffered.
"The victim is comfortable with that approach," Judge Flatley said.
Queenstown police prosecutor Sergeant Ian Collin said the victim would need dental treatment as a result of the punch.
Armstrong was due to fly out of Queenstown on Monday and leave the country on Wednesday.