David Berry writes: 'In 2003 we did a mammoth trip abroad in our motorhome, a six month, coast-to-coast journey across the USA and back. We shipped our motorhome to Florida; our exit port was Newark, New Jersey. This obviously satisfied our long distance travel bug for a while, contenting ourselves with travels in the UK and Ireland.

'But that 'bug' stirred in 2006 and we decided to go to New Zealand for two months - hiring a motorhome this time. It is hoped that this ongoing CD record will provide helpful detail for those of you wishing to follow in our tracks.

'Outlined are the plans we had to make, the research done, the flights booked, motorhome reservation made, insurance taken out, basic travel plan created - and more.

'Then there is the log. It is emphasised that this is not a 'Guide Book' - you will have your own publications in this specialist field. Nevertheless, there are numerous full colour photographs (1500!) to whet your appetite.

'The books etc that I used are listed. There is a map of the route that we followed and a section on the operation of the motorhome. The facility to print out a 'text only' version of the guide is provided.

'A major feature of the CD is the Internet links that are provided. These will prove incredibly useful at the planning stage - and then, as your trip approaches, you can use the ones in the log to get a feel for the country you are about to visit.

'Finally, 'The best laid plans ... ' How these turned out is revealed in a post mortem.'

A Postscript which sums up our trip: On NZ matters, I was in e-mail correspondence with someone and made the assumption that he and his family were about to embark on their first trip there. I wrote, 'Good luck in NZ. We found it a fantastic country. If I was 50 years younger I'd emigrate!' The reply was, 'Same here - we've been four times and each time I think I've died and gone to Heaven!!'