GPS takes tourists on nightmare drive

Two Australian tourists who used an Avis Rental car's satellite navigation system to travel from Christchurch to Nelson ended up on the country's highest public mountain pass.

The couple had a 10-hour trip fording rivers, driving through fog, unable to turn round on the narrow road and ending up at a locked gate to a high-country station.
Anthony Hoiberg and Clarinda Mojar flew into Christchurch and picked up the rental car on Tuesday.

The GPS directed them off State Highway 7 at Hanmer Springs, past the Amuri skifield and over the narrow and steep Rainbow Rd.

Mr Hoiberg said there should have been a warning about dangerous terrain.

Satellite navigation company Navman will investigate.

- NZPA