Nerves soothed after tourist family flips out on road

Tourists from the Netherlands, Sylvia and Tarz with one of their two children, spent a week at Woodville's Ormond Street Motel recovering from a traumatic road accident.

When high winds caused a camper van to crash on State Highway 2 north of Woodville last Monday, a young family from the Netherlands was left traumatised.

Fortunately, Woodville Police knew where the family of four would find comfort and support: The Ormond Street Motel.

Owners Joy and Mike Barnes are gaining a huge reputation with so many visitors putting positive posts on TripAdvisor. The Barnes were happy to wrap their arms around the couple from the Netherlands and their two young children.

"They were in shock and quite traumatised by what had happened, but they were a loving family," Joy said.

"Their camper flipped over in the wind and everyone was turned upside down.

"Their mum was looking at her wee baby upside down in the camper and was so worried [the vehicle] would burst into flames.

"Everything was just chucked all over the place. It was such a mess.

"We were happy everyone was okay but it's been an emotional week.

"It had been a pretty awful experience for them and they struggled to hire another camper van, but when it arrived here there was no way Sylvia [the mother] wanted to travel that way again, so back it went."

Plan B was then put into action and the family flew to Auckland, where they met friends, before setting out to see a bit more of New Zealand before leaving the country.

"It was sad for Mike and I when they left Woodville, they had been a delight to have and their kiddies have been so good," Joy said.

The Barnes' hospitality and care hasn't gone unnoticed, with an outpouring of thanks on Facebook, with people acknowledging the "awesome Woodville spirit".

Tararua District councillor Shirley Hull also congratulated the moteliers on providing the best hospitality and care.

"We are so lucky to have warm-hearted people like you," she said. "You are a perfect remedy for recovery."

On Facebook, Angela Bland wrote: "Thank you for giving this beautiful family a real Kiwi welcome and loving experience."

Mr and Mrs Barnes took over the motel in late 2013 and have refurbished four units, with another four about to be updated.

"It has been a good decision to take on the motel, even though it's a 24-hour commitment," Mrs Barnes said.