... thanks all, this is great information. I reckon we'll call off en-route from Napier and check things out. We probably wouldn't have bothered if it wasn't for the Nursing agency mentioning possibilities of employment in Palmerston. We like the idea that within 10 to 15 minutes you're into rural countryside... something we've got very used to having lived in the Vosges area of France. Good schooling, quality of life, nice scenery and general well being is the priority (as with all family's I guess) so we'll have a good look around should a job opportunity arise.
Gut feeling is to settle on the South Island, but afterall our 'recce' trip is to see as much of New Zealand as possible during our 3 weeks in April... I guess location will be decided on job opportunity at the end of the day, but it's still good to have a choice should there be more than one offer.
Just out of interest... when going from Palmerston North to Wellington is it more scenic to go down SH1 or SH2? We're thinking maybe SH2, so we can see some of the wineries near Martinborough
Thanks again all, it's much appreciated