In reply to Williams:
Hi,
Spent 2-3 years living out there a few years ago and loved both countries. Oz is better if you like warmer weather and stunning beaches and good cragging (blue mountains (NSW) and Arapiles (VIC) and Moonarie (SA) especially, Tasmania was ok), but NZ wins if you prefer stunning mountain scenery and adventurous climbing in a superb setting, eg Twin Stream, Chinaman's Bluff(though the cragging is not bad either at places like Wanaka and Paynes Ford for example!) Neither is a world class climbing destination on a par with Yosemite, Squamish et al, though Castle Hill is world class bouldering and better scenery than Font....if going to NZ try and live in South Island, so many more options and crags and you can still nip over to the north island from time to time.
I lived in Sydney and Christchurch and both were great places to live, Sydney is a much better city but Christchurch wins for the wealth of quality outdoor stuff you can do there - mountain biking, kite surfing, skiing, climbing and more all on your doorstep. I think Christchurch is a nicer temperate climate (Sydney was 42 degrees in mid summer) but this of course means some rain, was drier than UK though (not on west coast!) Mountains mean that you can usually find one side of the country rain free.
So overall I'd go to NZ unless you are a dedicated crag rat who likes beaches and city life....also the people or so friendly in NZ and the small amount of climbers mean you soon know plenty of locals. Paynes Ford at Easter and new years is very memorable social experience.
hope this helps, e-mail me if you have any more questions.
Chad