[koen]

What are the nice rural places (not too far from schools , shops) what is the weather like and most important , what is the cost of living LOL

[tazjet]

Can be really warm in summer. Cool wet and windy near the coast. Invercargill is a small town with good tertiary educational facilities. Re junior and High schools though Govt closed down lots of schools two years ago and those remaining are overcrowded now. Some nice rural towns inland like Lumsden, Gore and Te Anau.

Te Anau is on the verge of a tourism boom with a big airport development nearby coming on stream in September. Property prices are low but if you get in now, they will soar. You will possibly make your money back in three years on capital appreciation. Te Anau has the plus of tourism employment.