Five New Zealand motorcyclists crossed the heavily armed inter-Korean border from North Korea to South Korea on Thursday with the goal of promoting peace on the divided peninsula, officials here said.

North Korean media reported earlier on the arrival of the bikers and said they have visited many parts of the country as part of their trek across the Korean Peninsula.

On Wednesday, the Seoul government allowed the bikers to cross the demilitarized zone (DMZ) as they want to use the visit to wish for peace on the Korean Peninsula and highlight the reality of a divided country.

The DMZ cross-over on bikes is the first of its kind.

The New Zealanders plan to tour various parts of South Korea, including Jeju Island, before leaving the country on Sept. 17.