A couple who took a wrong turn and ran out of petrol in the Tararua Ranges have been picked up by a passing motorist after spending a night in their car.
Craig Nichols, 35, and Louise Owen, 30, were driving from Wellington to Palmerston North on Monday when they took a wrong turn off State Highway 57 and ended up driving along Mangahao Road in the Tararua Ranges.
They had only limited cellphone coverage and were not able to tell police where they were.
Police said they spent the night in their car before starting to walk towards Mangaore village. A passing motorist picked them up about 3pm.
Mr Nichols and Ms Owen were taken to Palmerston North hospital for a check-up.
