Watchin' the dates for your trip and it's getting real close. I think what strikes me most, is that you will be missing Winter and Spring almost entirely. Leaving the 2nd day of Winter and returning the 1st day of Summer. I can't imagine going that long without Winter and Spring, my favorite half of the year - weather wise. Summer/Fall in CA followed by Summer/Fall in NZ, followed by Summer/Fall in CA. That's a year and a half without Winter & Spring. Still, that's a lot of good fishing time for you.
Do keep us informed on your fishing adventures down there, Shane.