Thanks for asking, CC
I'm not really sure how Shona and Ray are - there was head injury for Ray, but all I really know is what Jo told me - that her healing would be about 3 months, but Shona and Ray's would be longer.

I agree about Auckland, unless you were able to get well out "on the edge of town" I don't think I'd want to cycle there much at all.

Christchurch would be nice though - lots of open spaces like here in HB - if you did come back you'd be better to choose the Bay I reckon - similar weather to Christchurch, yes, but we have more of it (the good days) than down south.