Just back from a wonderful month's trip to Australia, New Zealand and Langkawi.  I was feeling very nervous about leaving home for so long and touring for two weeks in a car around NZ but, in fact, we had a great time.  Throughout the trip we never had a bad meal or bottle of wine and met so many kind, helpful and cheerful people.  We enjoyed many unexpected little treats - two lovely meals in the Matheson Cafe, Fox Glacier (www.lakematheson.com), another good experience at the Pepper Tree in Coromandel (www.peppertreerestaurant.co.nz), an unforgettable time at the Aworoa Lodge in the Abel Tasman Park (http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz).  The highlight of our trip was a relaxing 4 nights on our way home at the Andaman, Langkawi where the staff were so friendly and helpful and the facilities excellent (http://www.theandaman.com). 
Just two downsides: a very disappointing two nights in the Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge on the Coromandel, where the relentless bonhomie of the owner did not make up for a small, cheaply furnished chalet squashed behind a high, thick hedge - certainly nothing like the pictures or description in their literature - and a nerve wracking boat ride on an "island hopping" tour arranged in Langkawi. 
In contrast we enjoyed an excursion to the mangroves, organised by www.junglewalla.com in conjunction with the Andaman hotel, and led by a very knowledgeable guide, Adam. We saw kingfishers, bats, snakes, fiddler crabs and mud skippers as well as magnificent sea eagles and Brahminy kites.
Back to reality now - wind, rain, work and the prospect of a chilly winter ahead but a bank of great memories to reflect on in the months ahead.