Woman thought $7m Lotto win was April Fool's joke

A Wellington woman who has today claimed Lotto's Big Wednesday prize worth just over $7 million. Photo / Supplied

A Wellington woman says she wondered if her $7 million Big Wednesday win was an April Fool's Day joke.

The woman bought a Big Wednesday ticket in Newtown after winning $27 from last Saturday's Lotto draw.

"I had in the back of my mind that it was still April Fool's when I checked my ticket, so when First Division winner flashed up on the monitor, I didn't really believe it and thought that was a really mean trick to play on me," said the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.

"I can't believe I have now turned that $27 win into $7m."

The woman, who bought her ticket in Newtown, Wellington, won $5m cash and $2m in luxury prizes.

She also won $280,011 with a second division prize.

"This win has come at a fantastic time for me as I have been saving up for my first house, which I can now just go out and buy," she said.

The woman planned to buy a house, some Rugby World Cup tickets and take her family on a trip to Europe.

NZ Lotteries chief executive Todd McLeay said it was the seventh-largest Big Wednesday prize.

Meanwhile, Lotto Powerball has jackpotted to $28m. If it is not struck tomorrow night, it will jackpot next week to a "must win" $30m draw, which last occurred in October 2008.

- NZPA