He had planned on some down time but, with details of the Champions League coming out last week, he has already started making some tentative plans.
Otago has earned a place in the qualifying tournament which begins in mid-September.
The Volts will play the fourth-placed IPL side and the Pakistan and Sri Lankan champions. The top two sides will progress to the main draw.
Johnson has started planning already.
''We have to get around the table with a number of people,'' Johnson said yesterday.
''Obviously, we are looking to do some homework on India, but until we know the venues that is going to be tough. But we're certainly talking to a lot of people at the moment who have been there in the past and know what sort of preparation we will need.
''It is exciting for all the players and management. We've got a winter programme now which revolves around the Champions League.''
Johnson is confident Otago can make the main draw if the team has its full contingent available. But there is some doubt over England-based players Ryan ten Doeschate and James Fuller, as the county competition clashes with the Champions League.
Also, if the Kolkata Knight Riders make the top four of the IPL, Otago will be sweating on the availability of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee and ten Doeschate. They all play for the Knight Riders and have also qualified to play for Otago at the Champions League.
''The key will be what overseas players are available. If we have all our overseas players available, it will make qualifying a hell of a lot easier for us. I'd be pretty confident of breezing through the qualifying series.
''The problem is we are not going to know if the England-based players are available until September because of other cricket going on in England at that time.''
Johnson committed to a two-year deal with Otago and is in discussions about returning for a third summer.
His return seems a formality, but Johnson was not prepared to discuss it other than to say he enjoyed what had been a rewarding season.
''I'm talking to Otago Cricket at the moment and I'd say we are a week away from deciding what the outcome will be.''
Meanwhile, news former Otago player Bradley Scott (33) is returning to Dunedin was warmly received by Johnson.
''The situation is Bradley is now getting a little bit older and we've got some younger players coming through, so it is just a matter of where he fits in that scale of things. He has obviously played a lot of cricket and would be a valuable member of any squad.
''In terms of playing opportunities, we'll just have to wait and see how he scrubs up and what his availability is.''
