A Rotorua liquor store was targeted last night by a small group armed with a machete and hammer among other weapons, leading to the arrest of a teenager.

Police responded to the store on Old Taupo Rd at around 9.40pm to reports a small group of people had entered the store, one armed with a machete, one with a hammer, and others with various tools.

"The group has stolen items including alcohol and tobacco, before leaving the scene in a stolen vehicle," a police spokesperson said.

One of the young people was found "thanks to some quick thinking" by responding staff who had previous information on a person missing from their address, police said.

The young person was allegedly found back at the address with a machete and items stolen from the robbery.

"Luckily, no one was injured. However those involved were understandably shaken," police added.

"We are working hard to identify and locate the others involved."

Anyone with relevant information that might assist in identifying the people involved should contact 105.

A 17-year-old was due to appear in the Rotorua Youth Court today on charges of aggravated robbery and unlawfully getting into a vehicle.