Sue and I plus 4 others are heading off on the above ride on Wednesday. There will be 2 tandems and 2 solos.
I have started a blog here http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/10098

I will be posting as we travel, subject to coverage.If interested follow us as we go or wait till the 7th March and check it out all at once.

I have written a brief introduction, which is all that'll be there till we set off.

Thought I do a quick update

We are in New Plymouth now and have just had a rest day before heading inland tomorrow on our way to Taumarunui.

The weather has been kind, only 2 short rides in the rain so far.

The 2 hire bikes have caused us some grief, but the worst one has gone back and we have fitted new tyres and tubes to the other so all should be sweet from now on.

Everyone appears to have enjoyed the ride so far, even though it may have been a harder than I let on before we left.

I am up to date with the blog and posted all the photos there as well.

Cheers