Thanks guys for the responses!
So two for Jan and one for Nov; being isolated seems like it could be fun, and I know I would love NZ but if your saying 8 months feels like a LONG time Nov start would be pretty much double the time, so its food for thought. Will have a read of some more blogs especially the NZ bits.
You guys are starting to sway me more to a Jan start but would like a bit more feedback first before making my mind up!