http://earth.google.com/
I know google dont need plugging but this is a superb tool and enhancement over the normal google maps.
Check your PC spec and download
Great for getting orientated and looking
where the houses are all located etc
Particularly like the zoom function - gives an incite
what military satelites etc can see and pick up !
Not that I sit in a bunker all day enclosed in a Faraday cage !
Another useful link
http://www.nztopoonline.linz.govt.nz/
Click on New Zealand Mainland only NZMG at the top left of the page then choose monitor size and scroll down to accept terms and conditions.
Click on map to zoom .
The Titles and Records link might be useful for the house buying ?