I have now been given the opportunity to do an instructor rating instead.
Unfortunately the rating will be going on my loan.
I had a similar situation today, my local dairy owner gave me the opportunity to buy a 2L bottle of milk.
I would go up north. Enjoy the weather, the massive differences between NZ and the NT, develop your decision making skills, put some hours in the book. I did it and wouldn't change it if I could go back.