Queues at ATM as it doubles cash

ATM users in Queenstown got an unexpected bonus when a Kiwibank money machine began doubling their cash. Photo / Bradley Ambrose

Hordes of people flocked to a Queenstown ATM this week after the machine started doubling their money.

Police said a concerned taxi driver alerted them to the problem on Tuesday night after the driver saw queues of up to 20 people lining up at the Kiwbank ATM.

"There were queues of 15 to 20 people at any one time for a good six hours from about 10pm until 4am," the taxi driver said.

"It was a backpacker bonanza."

A KiwiBank spokesman Bruce Thompson said a contactor had incorrectly stacked the ATM with $20 notes in the $10 box and vice versa.

Unfortunately a lot of people took the opportunity for "a Tuesday night bonus" until the bank was alerted and the machine shut down.

Some people had had an attack conscience and returned the money yesterday, Mr Thompson said.

And some people ended up with less than they expected as anyone seeking to take out $20 only got $10.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB