[Pip]

Yikes,

we've still got a little while to go (flights are booked for Feb 24th), but I need to start thinking about somewhere to stay for the first couple of weeks when we arrive in Christchurch. Don't really mind where - pref within half an hour of the centre. The idea is that we spend the first couple of weeks looking for a good long term let (6-12 months) that we can be in by the time our shipping container arrives a few weeks later. only drawback is the cat! She arrives a couple of days after us, and is very well behaved. I guess one option is to leave her at a cattery, but ideally would be good to find somewhere willing to take us and her for a couple of weeks while we househunt. Don't think I'm brave enough to take a long term let without actually seeing it in the flesh.. :uhoh

Does anyone know of any good websites for short term rentals or motels that might take cats ?!

[Lake Isle]

I reckon most Kiwi motels are quite flexible, have a look at this one, www.middleparkmotel.co.nz. It might be somewhere to start, if not, I'm sure they'll tell you the best place to stay!! Hope it helps. :)

[anna_c]

This book may be helpful:

http://www.petsonthenet.co.nz/pettravel.htm

[Pip]

Thanks everyone. I think we're sorted now, but great suggestions.

For anyone with the same dilemma, I did some searches on older threads on short term accomodation and came up with some links to some holiday home sites. Anyway the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. To start with we'll only have our suitcases, but these have linen/towels etc and full kitchens, so much cheaper than hotels and many are happy to take pets.

see http://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/northcanterburylist.asp

Anyway, I e-mailed one that we really liked and had a really friendly response with lots of local info, saying that the cat was very welcome and they'd be happy to have us for 3-4 weeks. Also where to get cheap phone calls to the UK and details on a service provider if we wanted to use a laptop while we were there, details on local supermarkets etc and they hope even if we don't stay there, it all goes smoothly. Talk about Kiwi helpfulness!

Hopefully, we can stay there for a month while we look for someone permanent before our container arrives.

Phew - one less thing to worry about. Right back to trying to choose a shipping company - one more quote to come - I think it'll be John Masons, but we'll see when the final quote arrives..

thanks again for the suggestions..