Arrival!

We landed first in Aukland at 5:00 am after a 13 hour flight; not bad as long-haul flights go on Air New Zealand. Then a short flight to Christchurch on the South Island and shuttle to the hotel by 9:00am. Spent some time building up the bikes while waiting for our rooms, then got checked in and headed out for a short ride around town.

Fortunately, no accidents or flats! Riding on the left side of the road was new for all of us, and it takes concentration to look the correct way for traffic. Lots of glass on the road and other hazzards. Anyway, some nice bike paths, went out to the beach, found a pub for an outdoor lunch, and finally back to the room.

Tomorrow the official tour starts with another short ride in the nearby hills. Photos from today: