Thanks for all the advice, didn't mean to start an argument but as always all responses from different people in different circumstances are welcome. Didn't realise that my UK phone won't work in rural areas of NZ and as we are heading to a semi-rural area may need to have a rethink and get a new phone once we arrive. Not going to be downloading data have never used the WAP feature on my current phone. one reason I don't know how to or how it works. The best mate package sounds good as at least to begin with we will only know each other, plus as Duncan mentioned and coverage is really good. Thanks again for the advice, anymore from anyone else would be greatly apprecited.