the thing i dont like about the Fargo, is that is not "clean"
it has a ton of things strapped on with cables all over the place, etc.
just begs to get caught on things. I'm not a big fan of bar-con shifters, they seem to beg to be broken off. i.e. loaded rig falls over when parked. its a MTB, why would remove the ability to brake and shift at the same time?

ya, it would probably be better with some Titec H-bars.
as to tyres... there are a ton of 700c touring tyres out there, hybrid, etc...

I think the front rack on the Fargo is meant to support a bag rather than hold pannier-style sidebags, no?

Yeah, 29" tires would be hard to replace on-tour. A 29" MTB touring frame would be great for a two or three-day rail-trail camping tour, but at a lower price point. The Novara Safari would be a much better choice for this kind of a tour, let along NZ.

Let's go there. Has the OP seriously considered a 26" frame? (Did I miss it skimming through the thread?)