Having a tiered layout would be a great idea to take advantage of the view and provide some areas of focus through the backyard.

We are also building in Christchurch :) So also had to look at these kind of requirements for sun, but we had a much smaller section to work with (800sqm). If cost is OK ideally a 2 story would get light into more of the rooms. You also saod the street frontage is 35m but the plans say currently the width of the house is only 15m, so you could run more of the house along the frontage to get it aligned with North. Its a big section are you setting it very far back from the street? Or are you worried about privacy? Is there a view Northwards, otherwise if you can set back from the street and add hedging or plantings to increase privacy I would try and align as much of the living space to get the North and west sun. Depending on what your roof is like you could also add a clerestory to get light towards the back - we are using skylights as well for our back hall and bathrooms to make sure they get as much natural light as possible.

WOW! What an amazing transformation. I love the white.

An incredible home. I can see it now... Extracting an abundance of vitamin D in that amazing deck to dancing to Jamiroquai by night with that disco lighting or just chilling peacefully by the river reading 'You Can't Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar', this house has it all.