An Australian tourist had her holiday money drastically reduced by a judge when she appeared in a Palmerston North court yesterday.

Brenda Smith, of Perth, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and careless driving.

Smith decided to drive after consuming "eight to 10" vodka pre-mix drinks on the evening of April 6, prosecuting sergeant Mike Toon said.

At about 8.40pm, Smith and her husband were driving through Sanson, trying to find somewhere to get a meal, when she overshot the Foxton, State Highway 1, turn-off.

She then over-corrected, reversed and did a U-turn into SH1. However, she ended up on the wrong side of the road - narrowly missing an oncoming car but crashing into a second - causing extensive damage.

No one was injured.

An evidential breath test revealed 1086mg of alcohol per litre of breath - more than two-and-a-half times over the legal limit.

Duty solicitor Rana Waitai said Smith had deemed herself in a fitter state to drive than her husband. The couple were trying to find the motel in which they were staying.

The pair were in the country until April 26 and were fast running out of money, Mr Waitai said. "They saved up for about a year to come here."

Community work also couldn't be completed in such a short time, he said.

Judge Nevin Dawson said an inability to pay a fine or do community work spelt imprisonment.

Mr Waitai said the couple had $2000 to last until their holiday ended. But they could meet a fine in the vicinity of $750.

Judge Nevin Dawson said he wasn't about to "bargain", fined Smith $1800, and disqualified her for 12 months.