Hello Jane
I went to NZ in March 2010 as a first also. I placed a message on the community page but got no response, so don't worry too much as not everyone uses it. Our trip had 24 + 6 from Australia with age range from 30-70ish, mostly females. Met two other ladies and the three of us stayed together for the duration. The tour manager gave us the nickname of "Charlie's Angels"!
You'll have a brilliant time.
Sylvia