One thing you MUST know.
If you want to travel about, you will either have to get buses, or buy a car. You can get a cheap car out there then sell it afterwards. Loads of people do this and it really is the only way to do it if you want independence.
I visited pretty much everywhere and went on a Stray bus - http://www.straytravel.com/
Just stayed in the backpacking accommodation which was cheap at the time, about a tenner a night and always clean.
Just make some time for the best little town in he world, Queenstown.
thanks will have a look when I'm on the computer later just on my phone ATM. Something I really hadn't considered to he honest i kist presumed there would be buses running all over the place and trains



Or when your totally smashed one for the word either ways its pretty funny 

we actually live in Darfield about 30 mins out of town, email in trust so feel free to get in touch if you want to meet up for a pint at some point