RTW - packing list and a data query...

Overall you seem to have thought it through. Some people will tell you more, others less. I think it seems about right.

Personally I wouldn't bother with the tablet. Seems unnecessary as you have the kindle for internet anyway. Just another thing to have to look after. If/when you do need a computer there are plenty of internet cafes and most hostels will have a PC with internet for you to use for free. Then again I'm not really a big fan of technology while travelling anyway so may just be me.

As for photos there is no perfect way. Uploading takes ages, but is a good method. You can burn them onto CDs to post home (should be fine with a decent courier, but maybe worth checking they arrive home (and the CD works!) before deleting anything off your camera). Numerous memory cards is another option, but you have to carry them round with you. I'm sure some of the more serious photographers will have some better suggestions.

On the individual items...I'd just say,try before you go ;-)

Put them all in your backpack and walk around the street for an hour or two..see how it feels.

It is too much/too heavy for me...I probably go with less than half of that.......but as james says,everyone has different needs.

On the photos..I just upload them.Yes,it takes time! I always have a couple of quiet hours in the afternoon to do stuff like that.....if possible.Last year i didn't do it for a couple of days,then my memory card broke and I lost 500 pictures ;-(

So try to remember to do it and have a spare memory card as well.......

Taking some sort of electronic item that connects to the internet is far better than using public net cafes.
If you're going to be in NZ in winter, then what you have wont be warm enough.I have a 40L wheelie and I dont think you're going to fit all that in.

Yes I agree, I'm not saying she doesn't need 1 electronic iten that connects to the internet, but currently she is taking two.

Keep in mind that using internet on a Kindle is a bit of a nightmare; it works for some basic things, but don't expect to do any serious browsing. That said, I would still only take the Kindle (not the tablet) and use internet cafes for the rest of your internet needs. Kindle is lighter than a tablet and eats less battery, and having to rely on internet cafes (which don't tend to be very appealing) also means you will keep your internet time to a minimum. That way, you'll see more of the country you are visiting, rather than being drawn into surfing the internet for hours, just because you have a tablet and free wifi at your hostel.

I'm with others on the uploading; yes, it takes time, but it works ok and I prefer it over other methods of storing photos.

IMHO, you are taking too many clothes. 5 pairs of socks? 1 pair is enough. You'll hardly ever wear them in the tropics.

You could also think about reducing the number of pants and shirts of various kinds you are bringing. Ask yourself: "how many clothes can I wear at once?" (answer: one set), and "can I buy more clothes if I need them?" (answer: yes). A lot of that stuff will get used once in a blue moon and you'll soon get fed up with dragging it from place to place.

I would take a smart phone and kindle; a decent smart phone does all the internet you will need.

I personally don't like zip off trouser, not as comfy as one thing or the other. I would only take one (yes 1!!!) pair of trousers and a pair of shorts, I would take 3 pairs socks at most. only 2 or 3 sleeveless tops.

Buy toiletries as you go.

If it don't fit in a 40l pack it is way too much, you really don't need fresh clothes everyday when travelling (or maybe I am just a smelly vagabond!), I love merino kit for it's non-smelly properties; means I can wear it longer hence carry less.

In warm conditions I use a 25l pack for travelling.

I'd take:
One pair of zip-offs and one pair of lightweight, but smarter trousers.
More pants and fewer socks - one pair of hiking socks and one normal pair should be enough if you can't even think when you'd wear socks.
Two bikinis are enough - one on and one drying.
One travel towel should be enough as they are designed to dry very quickly.
I don't personally bother woth waterproof trousers - if it's that wet I don't go out!
Either the Kindle or the tablet but not both.

I just backup my photos onto a USB stick and hide it in my pack. You might need a few if you have lots of photos, but they're cheap enough.