I dont understand why everyone is complaining that accomodation in Queenstown is expensive. We went there 3 years ago, and I remember paying something like NZD120 for a 4 star hotel at the edge of the town. Granted that I managed to get an exceptionally good rate, I dont think Queenstown is anymore expensive than Christchurch for similar accomodations.

I have visited NZ twice, once to the North Island and once to the South Island. Of all the towns we visited, Queenstown is my favourite.