Hey Beau,
It is getting close indeed. I note that NZ Fish and Game has a new website that has an "Overseas Visitors" page. I am not sure whether you've seen this already but if not then it has some good info there on getting gear into the country.
Let us know if you are land-based when travelling down the lower North Island. I can show you some nice camping spots beside the river here.
All the best and I look forward to seeing pictures of the large Southland browns with mountain backdrops... 
Phil
"Good roads lead to bad fishing".
Eric Wight, Maine game warden