Alright, so after a long wait, next post 
I ordered the pair of receiver/transmitters from SeeedStudio. They have been incredibly fantastic. I really recommend them. BUT If you're in NEW ZEALAND, get DHL - NOT NZ POST. NZ POST LOST IT.
So not over a $100 (including a new arduino) out of pocket, i've re-ordered and am hoping for the best with DHL.
What i'm interested in is if it's possible to read the signal strength of the RF pair? I would like to be able to tell if they're right next to each other or 5 meters or in another building?