Traveling to New Zealand: lenses

I travelled to New Zealand this time last year. I took a D300 with a 16-85mm and the 70-300mm lens. I only used the 70-300 a couple of times. If I was doing the trip again I would take a 24-120 and a 35mm 1.8 for hiking.

Your lens selection is sound but I would label the 70-300 as optional. As you are traveling by public transit you might even want to go down to one lens. (24-70) consider bringing a point and shoot as well.

The only bad news is that once you go there you will want to return. As this is a once in a lifetime trip for most people this will complicate your choices even more. Have a good time and remember that not all vacation pictures are works of art, vacation snapshots are the building of memories.