In reply to d_b:
My 2 cents, from my experiences in NZ. No idea about VF or mountaineering but if it is a climbing hit you need then...
Bouldering at Castle Hill (South Island), you could hire a mat and guide from Springfield which is the closest town. Great place to visit and hang out in (Castle Rock not Springfield) I would say 'family friendly' but then I was there before I had a family so WTF did I know?
Round Nelson (also South Island) we had a good couple of days at Payne's Ford near Takaka, I'm sure you could find someone with draws and a rope you could team up with at the Hangdog campsite http://hangdogcamp.co.nz/ at short notice
Wellington - go to Ferg's climbing centre, sure it's an indoor wall but you'll never go to another in as beautiful a location. You can hire other gubbins there for exploring the harbour like bikes and kayaks https://fergskayaks.co.nz/price-page,
As others up thread have said make use of the Dept of Conservation, great folks who are really helpful about where to go/where to stay. They have (had) drop in centres you could pop in to in major cities when I was there.
My last bit of advice is don't try to fit too much in - there's a lot of lonely road out there.
Previous NZ threads from UKC as below for ease of reference in the future, these are the ones about trips rather than moving permanently.
https://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/destinations/new_zealand_what_are_the_mus...
https://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/ukc/walking_in_new_zealand_north_and_sout...
https://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/destinations/new_zealand_castle_hill_boul...
https://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/bouldering/bouldering_newzealand-603708?v...
As usual when these threads come up. Jealous as f**k.
Have a great time and hope to catch up with you some time - not seen you since a windy BBQ in the Gower?
Post edited at 13:52