Is there anyone on the Coast who does this?
Sometimes the honest answer is that the nearest is in Christchurch or Nelson, and the quote should say so with travel in it. NovaPay asks locally first and tells you when it has had to look further rather than quietly widening the search.
How much does conveyancing cost in NZ?
Firms differ, and most quote a fixed fee for a straightforward purchase plus disbursements such as LINZ registration. Ask for the fee and the disbursements separately so you are comparing the same thing.
Can I get a fixed fee instead of hourly?
For defined work like conveyancing, a will or a simple contract review, usually yes. For disputes, less often, because nobody can see how long it will run. Ask for an estimate and a limit you have to approve before it is exceeded.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in New Zealand?
In practice yes. The transfer has to be certified and lodged electronically by a lawyer or conveyancer, so you cannot complete a purchase without one.
What is a letter of engagement?
The written terms your lawyer must give you before starting, covering fees, scope and who is doing the work. Read it, and ask about anything in it you do not follow.