Teeps:codyc1515: I'm with them right now, mid-contract, and was looking to purchase it outright. Of course, to terminate the contract would cost me (aka. pay them) around $150 or so vs. the (very roughly) $30 or so I estimate they would make.
A slightly different situation then, but again, as you have (most likely) already had a phone subsidised from them and aren't wanting to extend your contract theres no real incentive for Vodafone to sell you one ahead of a customer who's happy to take out a 2 year contract.
If you're happy to pay full price, why not order online from Apple and save yourself the hassle and uncertainty?
It is going to be a hassle considering it takes at least 45 mins to get to the store from where I am right now (Palmerston). I think that will be the best option, only problem is the shipping. If I order it on or around the day (10/11th) and it takes the full two weeks (or more...) to ship (around the 29th) that could be problematic as I am heading up back north again on that date.