I did this tour in February 2013, and had an amazing time. I took a large amount of currency, some sterling and credit cards. I paid for the all excursions I could in the UK. That only left flights, which I was able by credit cards. The first night in Hong Kong on the tourvmanagers advice, most of us opted for a "Chinese banquet" in the cosmopolitan hotel. At nearly fifty pounds I felt rather ripped off. The intreped few who went out to local restaurants seemed to eat better at a fraction of the cost. As we were in HK over the Chinese new year, no optional excursions were available, but we did manage the Star Ferry independantly. The included half day tour was very comprehensive. New Zealand is incredible. From volcanoes in the north, to fiords in the south, the scenery is stunning. All NZ hotels provided kettles, tea,, coffee and milk or creamer. Most also had irons and ironing boards in the rooms. Hope you have as great a time as I did.