if you're ever in christchurch make sure to stay at the "base backpackers". Its a really good hostel thats almost like a hotel.Friendly staff, clean hostel, they clean everything once a day, give you keycards like at hotels and have a HUGE tv lounge with cable on everyfoor.
I was very impressed.
Another place i really enjoyed was "downtown backpackers" in queenstown. THey have free internet, friendly staff, clean rooms. Its just impressive. They are right in the middle of the downtown area, across the street from the famous world bar.