Hi Amanda/Carol

Firstly, you don't need to be legally married. Being a de facto partner (of 2 years' standing) will do just fine.

Secondly, as regards places to live in the South Island...I would strongly recommend either Christchurch or Dunedin. They may be a little drive from all that is spectacular, but both are easy to get around, friendly (Dunedin more than Ch Ch), and have plenty of facilities that aren't alien to anyone from the UK. Both also have a range of rental properties, and I say this for two reasons: 1. you mention wanting to rent yourself (you can rent in either place for anything from $150 p/w upwards), and 2. because your partner may be able to find work doing renovations etc on rental or cheaper properties bought for rental.

Why don't you want to go to Australia, by the way?

Sorry I can't give any info about visas; we got ours a few years ago, and things have changed dramatically since.

Good luck.