From Stuff.co.nz. Two high-level delegations of United States lawmakers have slipped quietly in and out of New Zealand for a series of meetings including a first-hand look at Christchurch's earthquake damage.

A group of Congressmen spent three days in the country, visiting Wellington and then Christchurch. They left on Tuesday.

Another group of seven senators was in the country at the weekend.

The visits were not advised to the media, but were confirmed after US Government planes were spotted on the tarmac at Wellington and Christchurch airports.

A Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority spokesman said staff had accompanied the delegation, including seven US Congressmen, into the central-city red zone.  

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