arrival in new zealand

We have been so lucky.Snow all week before we left and then a weekend of thaw as we left.No problems with journey. Met at Auckland airport as arranged, by Scott from hostel where we spent first night, and can leave bike boxes, scott just as expected receding hairline ponytail, very laid back and very anti American.. Have assembled bikes cycled to the Mangare bridge to try then and had a nights sleep. Very warm but raining about to set off into Auckland then bus about 11 kms north to start cycle proper.