Hi, I found the amount we paid for 10 days in a Motel galling when I compared it to how much a rent would cost, and the "uncertainty" of everything was incredibly hard. However, we stayed in the motel, camped out at the local library where I checked areas on the Internet, looked up schools then hopped on a bus to check them out. We decided to choose the school first (within reason, eg- commutable distance to OH's work) then the house. It took 10 days and my husband felt that was all too slow, but we found a great school the girls loved and no matter where else I went, I liked our area best of all. The house was not perfect, but fitted our budget and we lived happily for the year we were there.
All I meant to say was:- don't try to do too much before you get to NZ, it's better to take things slower and "get them right" on the ground. Hope this helps....