I like the second one better, too.

First, because I think the bicycle balances the composition. Second, because I like the active tension in the couple's pose, as if they are thinking of moving but haven't yet. Lastly, because they are looking into the composition, which tends to make the viewer do the same.

I feel like a Times critic! Perhaps I should also reflect on what the photographer's implied comment on socio economic disparities in between the eastern and western sides of the south island of New Zealand. But I won't, because that would be wasting space.

except you could because there are at least two new zealish people who are regular readers of funkypancake

and also, since the location of the couple is but a couple of metres away from the greenwich meridian line (left of the bike). which is an east vs west thing.