Aussies claim $250,000 Lotto prize

The couple are flying back to New Zealand tomorrow to claim their first division prize. Photo / Wairarapa Times-Age

An Australian couple who bought a Lotto ticket while holidaying in New Zealand are winging their way back across the Tasman to collect their $250,000 prize.

The couple, who picked up the ticket on a whim while passing through Rotorua on March 13, didn't check whether their numbers were any good until 7am wednesday morning.

"I had the ticket sitting on my desk for quite a while and I just thought I'd better check it before I lost it," the wife said.

"I couldn't believe my eyes. I had to go wake up my husband and drag him out of bed. He wasn't too happy about it until he realised I wasn't joking around."

The couple are flying back to New Zealand tomorrow to claim their first division prize.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience after all," she said.

- NZPA