Today's journey was blessed with spectacular weather and some jaw dropping scenery for our journey up the rugged east coast of the South Island.

Embarking from Christchurch, the team of 22 enthusiastic runners headed northward via Rangiora where we paid a visit to Rangiora Borough School. Dozens of eager children sang us a welcome song and listened intently as we narrated the history and ideals of the World Harmony Run. The children then excitedly accompanied us for a run around their school bearing the torch and flags.

The runners then split into four teams to share the 142 kms to the day’s destination – the seaside settlement of Kaikoura. En route the teams traversed gentle rural landscapes. Rolling hills dotted with grazing sheep, sleepy cottages with smoking chimneys and tractors ploughing fields created a uniquely New Zealand backdrop to the torch as it made it’s journey northward. Natures beauty – saturated with an inherent peace and harmony, graced the runners at every moment and urged them forward.

Farmland eventually gave way to coastland as we approached Kaikoura. Nothing beats that moment when ocean finally becomes visible – emerging from the hills after hours of travelling. A magnificent seascape greeted us as we descended the hill. The blazing sun shining through the still and cloudless day twinkled over the pristine aqua ocean, mighty waves crashed on the rocky shoreline, creating a huge sea spray, tons of bull kelp swished in the swirling waters, and seals playfully frolicked in the sea or lay basking on the rocks.

We wound our way around the stunning coastline until we reached Kaikoura – a town overlooked by majestic snow-capped mountains - and home to the most stunning coastal alpine scenery in the world.

In Kaikoura we were warmly received by the Mayor and the children of Kaikoura Primary School. After addressing the school and the Mayor, we presented the school with a native tree – a kowhai bearing a special plaque.

After a long but satisfying day we settled into our accommodation. Dusk was accompanied by a deafening chorus of native birds and many of the team went exploring the native wonderland. After a team briefing and a preview of the photos of the day’s adventures, the team retired for the evening feeling content and hoping that tomorrow’s journey would be as rewarding as today’s.