Hi Mazdon - Nelson is my hood from back when I was growing up. There is a mysto kite spot in Marahau at the start of the abel taz which is sick but you gotta score the NE which can be a bit rare. Nelson is a cool spot, good kiting at Tahunanui too.
Not sure which camper company would be cheapest, I'd be tempted to buy a second hand car (they are cheap over here) and tent it, then leave the car with u-sell or something so it can just be sold in its own good time and you'll get the money back at that stage. There are some caravan crowds which advertise in the local rags which are pretty cheap and not really geared to the high spending touro's which could be a sneaky cheap accom if you got a vehicle with a towball. You could also try your luck on neighbourly before you arrive to see if you can rent from somebody who has one they are not using. Try not to look at the fuel prices when you fill up, it will just make you sad and bitter...
North Island has some great spots to check out too - about half an hour north of Auckland city and you are in beach country, heaps of kiting and only about an hour from coast to coast.
Coromandel is bliss too but avoid peak season!
I love campervan and used to do south island snow season trips for 5years.
They are awesome fun but yes you have to shop for good deal.
Only been to Nelson for work not play but awesome spot.
Some years ago 2 mates and I brought a place on Taranaki coast.
It's hard core wave but can be awesome and perfect to have campervan instead of driving distance around coast.
Advoid the summer school holidays. Spring is windy and summer autumn can depend on weather system.
And confirm our fuel prices are so high with so much tax!
Jet boat + load of tourists + human error?
www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/110814295/10-people-in-boat-crash-at-skippers-canyon
