Two Spanish women arrested for urinating in the Queenstown KFC driveway this morning responded with surprise, telling police public urination was common in their country.

Sergeant Kate Pirovano said the female travellers were spotted urinating about 12.30am, and promptly arrested.

However, they pleaded that they did not believe they were doing anything wrong, as they ''were allowed to do it at home,'' Ms Pirovano said.

The women were released with a pre-charge warning.

''We get a lot of travellers through Queenstown, and pleading that they might be able to do something at home does not mean they can break laws in New Zealand - travellers need to educate themselves on local laws.''