It's a big jump from an African game park to a Wanganui motel but Neil and Michelle Stewart are getting a great welcome.
Now New Zealand citizens, they've spent the past four and a half years managing a motel in Taupo and a hotel in Auckland. Alma Motel owner Kevin
Martin has put the Alma Rd complex on the market, and they are running it while deciding whether to buy.
"We are excited to be in Wanganui. We love living on the coast and we are getting a great welcome from everybody."
The previous managers, Joe Hau and Pandora Downs, left two weeks ago. The place did not thrive during their time, the Stewarts said.
They were now giving the 28 units a total revamp and changing the name of the restaurant from Stonze to The Black Steer Steak House. It would serve steak, ribs and seafood, Mr Stewart said.
