1) NZ is a very self-driveable country. If this is your plan, pls allow only 300-350km of driving per day, because you’d be doing a lot of stops: sceneries, meals, activities, etc.
2) Plan your route well to take in your interests, and note where you want to do night stops.
3) Do research on internet: places to stay, what to do and see, excursions, prices, etc. Plenty of info.
4) If you have decided on number of days, try to fit itinerary in, but do not rush. Give priority to South Island — I think it’s more exciting than North Is.
5) Use web-based trip planner like http://www.tripit.com for easy documentation.

All the best!

I stumbled upon your blog by accident while planning my NZ holiday. Needless to say i fell in love with your blog. I love the simplicity and wittiness of your narratives as well as the beautiful pictures. I’m also curious to find out how you have planned your NZ trip in 2008. I hope you wouldnt mind sharing your NZ travel plans and tips with me.

I already read all your travelogue, very interesting! How can you travel almost every months? actually, what is your job? U not working with Discovery Channel, alright?

For those keen on Tibet, everything must be pre-arranged before arrival, that’s the Chinese govt requirement. I dealt with Tony Yin at CITS Chengdu, pls contact him for details: tony_yin@tibettravel.org – website is http://www.tibettravel.org/tibettravel/html/20063231201-1.html

Normally you have to apply for your Chinese visa and KL/Chengdu flights first, as usual. Then in Chengdu, go see Tony to collect your Chengdu/Lhasa airtickets + permits. He should be able to arrange all this beforehand.

All the best, and be prepared for high altitude sickness. Hehehe!