We rose early after a bad nights sleep, it had been raining had and still was. Not a good omen for a weeks cycling.
Rob from Vertical Ventures picked up us and warned us that we might not be able to do the classic start as the weather was so bad and to cloud so low the helicopters were not running to allow the river crossing.
That proved to be true, sadly. We had a very rainy drive up, stopping in Geraldine for coffee, at a nice cafe called the Running Duck. http://therunningduck.co.nz. I also bought so chilli sauce. What a surprise.
We then stopped for lunch at Tekapo http://www.run76laketekapo.co.nz/. We also stocked up on booze for dinner.
This was the start to our ride, the alternative start. Bikes were sorted out, bags given out, and the rain stopped. 
We had a 30km ride to Braemar Station part of the Mackenzie Farm in the Mackenzie Valley. farmside.co.nz
It was lovely to be riding, the weather did not spoil anything except the view.
On the tour are
2 Canadian couples, the husbands were at school together. They are very quiet and keep to themselves.
A great fun Oz couple, Hilda and Steve, it is here 60th the same day as Marion.
Marion and Gunner
Carol
And us.
Total 11.
Our stay was at the Shearer Hut, the Hut used in the past and was a a few rooms all inter-connected and a shower room, a separate bathroom, kitchen, and a living room. Rob got a fire going in the sitting room. Some summer!
We had tea and biscuits at 4 and dinner at 7. Dinner was steak and fresh salmon and was excellent. After dinner we sat and chatted after dinner. The Canadians were very quiet.
Then plan for Day 2 was fluid! We might we able to start at the beginning, if the weather clears and we have time or we WGT a more relaxed start at 10. What ever it would be an early start.
Sounds like a good group. You will have to get the Canadians out of their shells. Perhaps a game of charades in the evening?