I cant stand the flying bit myself mate, thats why I liked going to Lloret in the 70s A few beers on the plane and you were landing.

Went to Egypt two years ago, great place to go. Did a Nile cruise rather than Sharm-El Shiek, but you can combine the two. Food on boat was fantastic.
The armed guard thing is a myth, went to Abu Simbal from Aswan (about a 3 hour coach trip) without an armed guard, although security is much higher and the bus was checked for explosives as we crossed the Aswan Dam (for obvious reasons). Also walked freely around Luxor both in the tourist and local markets without any bother (except the hassle from shokeepers and local urchins wanting to give us 'guidance' usually to a relatives store). Went to experience what it was like. Haggled and bought a couple of bits.
Downside for us was we were both ill (due to the Air Con we think) but we are thinking about going again.
Balloon ride over valley of The Kings was well worth getting up at 3am for as well.
Hope thats helpful.

Dave, i went to Sharm last year and also going back this year, very relaxed and enjoyed the chill out. the staff in our complex was brilliant, you do get hassled by shop keepers but not as bad as Turkey. Great weather in Egypt and if you like snorkeling this is great.

I went to FARGRANGE yesterday.

If you think thats a long flight mate you'd be no good going to NZ !!

Costa Teguise should be ok mate. Its a few years since ive been there but it seemed like a nice place.Weather shoud be ok as well compared to the Med areas ( Although i went to portugal last year in november and the weather was lovely).

To check your choice of hotels and digs go onto tripadvisor and holidaysuncovered. People do reviews of where they have stayed and it gives you a good guide.