Pedalling powers fundraising

Rainy weather did not seem to bother Shaya Laughlin (17), of Cairns, and Jeremy Basset (19), of Geneva, as they headed for the Crown Range on their way to Queenstown on New Year's Day. The pair left Cape Reinga on November 28 and plan to be in Bluff by January 10, raising money as they go for the Sir Peter Blake Trust in New Zealand and Save Our Sea Turtles in Cairns.

Ms Laughlin said they had raised several hundred dollars with promises of more when they completed their 2257km journey. Their longest day journey had been 110km and their shortest 40km - on Christmas Day. Ms Laughlin said after they reached Bluff they would take the bus to Christchurch Airport, on their way home.