It's beautiful Tahsybabe. My favourite (so far) NZ city.

Very hilly, very windy and yeah, chilly BBRRRR! Just take some warm warm warm clothes.

The Mac brewery is awesome - I know you won't be drinking but they do lovely food.

And yeah, the ferry takes you to the South Island. I think that there are early morning and late evening services. DH and I were going to do it when we were there in 2009 but we were too hung over For shame.

I hope that someone else can add some more.

Very jealous! Have a great time