str12,
Spent some time in NZ March / April this year. Hadn't bothered to look into licencing before the trip since I'd heard (as Kermit says) a licence conversion would be necessary and I wasn't interested in that level of hassle. Eventually ended up doing an hour out of Queenstown with an instructor on board. I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable flights I have ever made. Landing at a farm strip followed by an hour spent flying variuos mountain valleys and passes culminating in a flight down the lake to return to Queenstown. According to this particular instructor all that is required for day VFR is a check fight with a Class I instructor. Mind you, in the vicinity of Queenstown this would probably amount to a mountain flying course to satisfy them. In any case, it's a lot cheaper than the UK (particularly with the current strength of sterling) and an absolutely stunning place to fly. Enjoy !!! I envy you already !