KEY POINTS:
A Taupo man's attempt to circumnavigate New Zealand in a gyrocopter to raise cash for cancer charities has been grounded temporarily by bad weather.
Sid Lane embarked on Waitangi Day on his solo mission to travel the 5500km. He covered more than 2000km in his first two days - travelling from Taupo to Whakatane, past the East Cape and then down the east coast of both islands to Invercargill.
But poor weather stopped him leaving Southland.
Mr Lane flew for seven hours on Friday and almost nine hours on Saturday in his vehicle, a type of open-air helicopter.
Mr Lane, who has been flying in gyrocopters for 40 years, said the trip was a chance to both raise money and show cancer sufferers they can conquer the disease.
He was diagnosed with throat cancer last April and underwent six months of treatment before being given the all-clear.
Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at Westpac branches.
- NZPA
