To follow up on bjkeates' comments on how intensive the course is:
Total SE flying probably about 180ish hours, spread over about 8 or 9 months (average), so about 20 hours flying a month. In practice this is usually a month of zero then a month of 50 but you get the picture. Flying syllabus has changed completely now integrated but hours are pretty similar I guess.
Ground school time is what you make of it, has all changed since I was there but it really isn't particularly time pressured at all.
When you get to NZ you'll find that everyone is complaining about not having enough to do rather than being too busy!
I'm about to slip into a long rant so I guess I should stop there. Any more questions PM me.