Holiday crowds pack lodge

A busy start to summer has made up for a quiet 2012, says Clive Rivers, who runs Braemar House guest lodge.

Mr Rivers said negative publicity about Wanganui as a gang city had put off many travellers from coming here, and his numbers had been lower than usual last year.

"The seasoned travellers still come here, and those that do make it here have a wonderful time, of course," Mr Rivers said.

However, Christmas-New Year had been busy, with up to 60 people staying at any one time.

"Ninety-nine per cent of our visitors are international, and English is the second language for many of them."

Among the visitors at Braemar House were Laura Kirkowits, Rosanna Dietrich-Sussmer, Louisa Shawa, and Anna Jungklaus, all from Germany. They had been in Wanganui for three days and had been to the beach, dome some shopping and relaxed.

They've been in New Zealand for three months and have another five months left here.

"We like New Zealand - it has nice people and wonderful nature," the girls said.