In reply to dti:
I live in NZ I grew up an hour south of Whangarei and it was our big City.
Northland has a large Maori population and will be a good cultural experience. Warm weather, fishing,hunting, beaches a relaxed way of life. Very few climbing opportunities, Some good caving at Waipu though, and lots of tramping/ exploring.
Being quite high unemployment( and low wages), there is social problems that come with that overcrowded households, health issues( we constantly got headlice from kids at school) drugs and Crime.
Christchurch
Well currently the Earthquake after shocks are still quite big and regular. The centre.. therefore bars, museums etc are still closed. Normally it would be more of a City than Whangarei.
Much better for mountain biking, climbing, skiing.(still has surfing)
Cold at winter. Lotss of climbers
I like both but they are a totally different NZ experience. A cruisy beach life or the Southern Mountains an hour away.( can you try and Spring a mix?)