Wellington is the coolest of the four major cities. The harbour is the gem in the capitals crown. I wasn't born here in Wellington-te wai ponamu is my home island. Over all though being a New Zealander is my lucky roll of the dice.
@@brucegibbins3792 Kia ora Bruce! It really is lucky to be born there, I've been researching a lot and honestly, the only country on earth that made us say "we can live there" with no hesitancy, speaks volumes. We're planning to move there soon, don't know which city yet but we are excited!
Recently spent a month in NZ (March). I could live in Rotorua (I am retired), felt at home in Christchurch, loved the botanical gardens in Queenstown and enjoyed the vibrancy of Auckland. Spent several days in Waiheke relaxing. The most wonderful feature about NZ? It's warm and loving people. Kia Ora.
I went with a friend to NZ, we are both American and female and stayed at the Pink Hotel in Auckland in 1988. Not sure if it is still pink. Community toilet and showers down the hall and community free/included breakfast. Met a younger and older male Americans at breakfast the 4 of us rented a car. So, we drove all over and basically got lost and were looking for a place to eat. No towns and no restaurants. We found a little bar and stopped. It was where all of the local Mauri people lived and hung out at this bar/pool hall. They were surprised that we were there and the Chief came to see who we were and why we were there. It was getting very late and the Chief of these people offered his home to us to stay there for the night. The 4 of us had dinner with him at his house and then he left the home and the 4 of us stayed at his home for the evening. We slept up stairs in a room with 4 twin beds in it. We had a great conversation over dinner and he showed a lot of interest and had many questions for us. His wife and children were out of town, so this is probably why he offered his home. It was an amazing experience that is probably a one in a million to ever happen again. Then my friend and I went to Queenstown. We sat in a bar and watched people bungie jumping on televisions that were hung up on the walls. The Fiords were washed out from the rain, so I decided that I would bungie jump instead!! So, up we went to the old historic bridge and they wrapped my ankles up and there I stood and did a perfect swan dive off of the platform. I had had nasal surgery a couple of weeks prior to this trip and I told them that I could not go into the water. Well, down I went and right into the water, head first. I popped back out and felt my nose and it was in place where it was supposed to be. They came running to me after I climbed out of the little boat the they lower you down into and climbed up the narrow path back up to the bridge. I think they have steps now to get back up the hill to the bridge. I had signed a waiver, but they were still worried. They said that they were “so sorry” and that they would let me do it again for free. So, I went on the other of the 2 platforms and they wrapped up my ankles and I did a swan dive again, head first, but did not hit the water this time. I got my t-shirt that said that I jumped and had another amazing New Zealand experience. My friend was there to take amazing pictures for me. We met a couple of Kiwis and went to their boat races. Amazing the abilities of those men to row in such unison with each other. What an amazing 2 week trip we had. I had no idea that this was the first year that they were bungie jumping off of the bridge. They were raising money to save the bridge, because so many big busses were coming thru, they didn’t want to lose this historic bridge to some new wider modern bridge. It was $75, which included the t-shirt and worth every penny. I have never bungie jumped again. I left that in wonderful New Zealand!
@@mrnk88 At the time, we shared the car with two others, an older guy and a younger guy that we met at breakfast in the hotel. They did all of the driving. Everyone met downstairs for an included continental breakfast. The hotel also had a community bathroom down the hall. Your room was just the two beds and a dresser. They also didn’t have wash cloths. They think that it is too personal and just gross. But, they provide towels. It was a hotel, not a hostel. Never stayed at a hostel. Not even sure if that is how you spell hostel? The guys got used to the driving pretty quickly. Where we were on the North Island, it was a lot of country roads and not many other cars. Cars were pretty expensive to rent and we didn’t want to drive all over as just two girls. It worked out well, except when we were out where there was nothing around except the bar that we came across. The guys were just as welcome as we were for dinner and to stay at the Chief’s house for the night. The guys were nice to travel with and we felt safer traveling around unfamiliar areas. We had to use a map back then! I did live in Australia for 3 years in 1998-2021. Husband’s job transfer for International Shipping. I just about killed us making a turn, when I first started to drive. I didn’t think that I was turning across traffic. It is all backwards. It took that scare to make me drive down side roads an practice what turns we’re crossing traffic and what ones weren’t. And, have to get used to not driving too close to the side of the road and hit the curb. It took a good week of practicing every day. They did have one “Round About”, a “Circle” with 6 lanes feeding into it and it was two lanes wide. I did not know when it was my turn and what side of the road I should be on once I got in it and how to get out. So, I sat there in the car with my two small kids, the cars figured that I did not know what to do, so they stopped and waved me in and all just kept behind me until I got out of the Round About. It was amazing how people were back then. I wonder what they would do these days? They are such nice people, it was many years ago. I would hope that these days, they would do the same thing. On the way back, I asked the people I was visiting, directions to avoid that area.
Amazing Curls -Thankyou so much for telling your story too . Small towns ranked the next time ? Would love your opinion on far north ,Oamaru and even further Stewart Island .❤
Thanks, great ratings. I'm from New Plymouth and our Mt. Taranaki is beautiful (it can actually be seen from space, pretty cool) we have the sea on our doorstep and lots of culture and art. The Taranaki Hardcore brand has been going for a going 20+ years now and you have to be hardcore to live here, it's cold and rains a lot. Best of luck with your channel.
CORRECTION: I've been informed that Porirua is a city. Considering I just went there, I can't believe I didn't realise this. I am so sorry. Porirua would've been very near the top, I absolutely loved it!
As an a Christchurch man who's been in London for 27 years...I'd call your ranking pretty fair. The important thing about NZ's smaller provincial centres is that they're obviously best suited to people who love the outdoors & simple pleasures, whether its mountain biking, running, walking, surfing, climbing, diving, sailing, fishing or organised team sports such as rugby, hockey, football etc.
Nelson City Councillor here...I thought maybe you had missed us from your list until you placed us on top! Agree 100% though - I'm 25 years old, born in the UK, but my wife and I agreed Nelson is the best place in the world to raise a family. We now have two fantastic children and are blessed to call this place home.
Southland has had the best weather this year and no it doesnt always rain down here infact its been a dry summer for us down here ,the other thing about being in southland is the daylight is longer in the summertime than the northern parts of New Zealand you can be outside till after 10pm at night and its still light outside ,being down this way were not that far from central otago, qtown, te anau etc as well ,we have a good cafe culture and in a couple of years time a new museum ,i think people who find places boring are most likely boring themselves
As a Dunedinite, I can say that Invercargill is looking pretty good now, especially in the CBD with the new developments. It gets cold, but isn't that wet. It rains more in Auckland, especially this year.
Yep lived in most of them and have to agree. I live in Chch now because it has what you say (plus an international airport - good) but yeah Nelson. My god what a place. Not now I'm old but for sure raising a family, adventuring, got it all. Nelson is a young person's place and you're a young person so go for it! Very diplomatic by the way. Well done :)
As a christchurch lass born and raised i am quite happy with us beating out Auckland. Lol. Did you check out Quake City while u were here? It is a fantastic display of the things that happened, were lost, and even found. It also has a really cool part where it shows the Maori legend telling of what earthquakes are.
@Connor essentially the Maori are a polytheistic people. They have a father of the sky and an earth mother in their belief system. One of their children lives deep within the earth and his movements are responsible for earthquakes. Similar to a baby kicking in the womb but on a massive scale. I have butchered the telling of it majorly because it has been a while since ive heard the tale but that is the gist of it.
I'm from the 'tron, and I think the comments and ranking are pretty fair. It was a great place to grow up, and I still love it. The Waikato river is beautiful and it has a lot going on. But the winters a foggy, cold and dreary, while the summers are hot and humid. I also agree Nelson is awesome - happy summer memories going to the farmers market and buying cheap but delicious boysenberries. Plus walking down Tahunanui beach as the sun sets, and seeing nearly everyone else in Nelson there make it a memorable place.
You got it right bro. And the fact that I'm born and raised in Nelson does NOT make me biased. Not only is Nelson a very cool and vibrant city with excellent weather. It's all about where you can get to in two hours drive. Pelorous George, Cable Bay, Lake Rotoiti, Mount Arthur, Mapua, Keiteriteri, Able Tasman National Park, Takaka. Tasman Bay and Golden Bay, or as we say "The Top of the South" is just a stunningly beautiful location if you love the outdoors. And yes, the people in Nelson are super cool and laid back and open minded.
What you should know is that in New Zealand, wherever you live, everywhere south of there is COLD. Invercargill is south of everywhere else in N.Z. so of course in everybody's tiny mind it will be cold there. It is cold too, strangely enough mainly in winter, but not any more than say Christchurch or Dunedin or Timaru. The rainfall is higher than the Canterbury/east coast area, but not compared to Auckland, so the weather is really just a perception thing. What is more important is that the people are warm and welcoming.
thats simply not true re the weather, Invercargill is on average 3c less than Christchurch per month. Average highs in the summer months are about 4c less in Invercargill, although I'll give you winter where the difference is marginal. Rain however, Invercargill is more than twice Chch in volume and the amount of days rain, and I'd rather have cold and clear over rain, especially when it happens 20times a month. Chch is by far and away the driest NZ city I've lived in, and the better for it. Albeit Tauranga has amazing summers, and Auckland has humidity and Gisborne, well, it used to be long and dry when I was a kid, doesn't seem to be anymore.
I was born in Palmerston North and spent my first 21yrs there and it has everything you need and most things you want!! I’ve now lived in Australia for 28yrs and I’d rather have grown up In Palmerston North rather than Brisbane as a child it was great but as an adult i love Brisbane and would never move back to Palmerston North… My childhood was full of fun and adventure
Nelson is a great place to live although the traffic as gotten crazy and it is extremely expensive now. I lived there for 25 years. Honestly now that I live further south I would put timaru in the top 5 the weather is pretty stable, it's quite, there lots of outdoor activities to do, it's very beautiful and scenic and the people are mostly all friendly
nelson is bestest of all but unaffordable hosuing now so I wound up in Timmers with reasonable house prices nice city but its cold really really cold (heat pump turned on since April1 )
@@nikkster01I live in Nelson, grew up in waimate/Timaru area. Winter isn't any better or worse in either place i feel, summers definitely better in Nelson. Worst thing about Timaru was honestly how often it's overcast, it's just so drerry
@@moonuni yeah mate. Don't get me wrong I loved it Nelson. But yes the housing situation and prices was the one choice for moving south. In my opinion one of the issues with housing is there is to many old people preventing the growth of multi storey town houses and yes the traffic mainly around Richmond as been gotten crazy
I was born in Nelson and lived there for most of my early childhood, before my family moved up to the north island into Hamilton and I loved it. The memories I made on the nelson beach, walking along the sand, listening to the crashing of the ocean waves with my family, were the best moments of my life, but I do thinks Hamilton deserves a slightly better ranking, or maybe I'm just biased. Loved this video, keep it up 👍.
was about to go all out on you when christchurch is second 😂 but coming second to nelson, i certainly dont mind, heard lots of good things about it since one of my lecturers is from nelson. but also fairplay to you naming the good things about all the cities. your positive perspective & point of view as a brit on this country make me feel better & having moved so far here might not sound too bad after all. thanks mate you dont know how much it means to me👍🏼 have a good week
1. What about QUEENSTOWN?? I was waiting for it to be revealed as #1 as I rode the roller coaster of your narrative… The scenery, pubs, food scene and SKIING is awesome! 🤩 2. I’d swap Auckland and Wellington… yes the weather is shite but I love the vibe by the waterfront and mix of students, diplomats and government workers 👍🏻🤩
My son grew up on the coast just north of Auckland. He's been everywhere but never Wellington until just recently. I took him around the hills, down to Red Rocks and around the south coast, out to the Wairarapa and into the city for meals. I showed him a locals view of the place. He thinks it's the best city in the country by miles now. He even thinks the women look better there as well, it was a good weekend away for him. Yes, it's in need of TLC, but nothing comes close to it's natural beauty in NZ other than Quesnstown, probably. The setting, those valleys and that ruggered coastline are superb.
Kia ora Curls and thanks for the review. I was surprised you chose Nelson as your top choice, but hey I cant judge I haven't been there yet 😅😂. By the way Tourism NZ should hire you to promote our beautiful country to the rest of the world especially to the British, as you'd be great and anyway your an honorary kiwi and part of the whanau now 😊.
What a lovely video brother, thank-you. I'm from Christchurch so was very surprised we got to 2nd. To be honest I wouldn't have been mad at you if you put us last becuse the past ten years have been a stuggle for all kinds of reasons. It humbled us and broke us down to the point that we don't expect much now. But often I will just jump on a bke and explore my own city and end up at the beach, the botanical gardens or some place beautiful and ill thnk 'Y'know what...life can be wonderful too.'
I'm from Wellington but I agree what you said about Nelson being number one. It is totally beautiful. But I also like Auckland, Rotorua, Gisborne, Christchurch and New Plymouth as places to have a holiday. We maybe windy Wellington. But I am a proud Wellingtonian wouldn't change living here for anything. Wellington harbour on a still night is so beautiful to look at. Can't beat it.
As a guy from Hastings I'm gutted you placed Napier above us 😅. Having lived in a couple other places in Nz, and traveled it really well, Hastings is truly something special. The pace of life is nice, everything is easy to navigate, there's stunning scenery beaches and waterfalls around. It's easy to find peace and quiet when you want to. Basically any shop you need is here and between the two cities there's usually something going on worth doing. Hawkes Bay Fuckin Ay
Have you tried the "Fat Bastard Pie's " in Invercargill? They will blow your mind and maybe get them up a place on your list. Love your videos keep doing them .
As someone from Christchurch, how could Tauranga be so low down?! That’s the best summer spot! Christchurch is awesome in summer too, but man the far north, Queenstown, Kaiteri etc sheeeeeeesh
I really have to disagree with you about Whanganui, it's more than alright, it's absolutely amazing! It probably has more street art per square inch than most places, it has the popular Open Art Studios, a bunch of artisan products, breweries, glass studios, an amazing cafe culture, beautiful river tours (which was the first river in the world to be bestowed with legal personhood.) Not to mention it holds the New Zealand Opera school which host some of the worlds top tutors and has students that go on to be world class opera singers e.g Pene and Amitai Pati (from Sol3 Mio). People often underestimate Whanganui but it really does have a lot to offer. Come and visit us again, we are just up the road from Wellington. Honestly people are leaving Auckland to live here, it's that good.
That is an extremely impressive defence of your home, nice work. Love Amitai's work, was lucky enough to meet him once. Will be back to Whanganui sometime soon for sure.
I'm seriously considering moving to Whanganui later this year. Take a bit of planing after living in Japan for the past few years. But with heritage buildings and the river, Whanganui looks amazing.
Hi there Curls , thank you for your review . I lived in ChCh for twelve years and also in Nelson for a wee bit less . I go back there from time to time . I do agree with you , Nelson takes the prize . The weather , the kind people , the outdoors , the lovely clean town , you name it mate, cheers!
Fun! Spent my first 26 years in NZ and many happy memories - grew up in Wellington and on the Kapiti Coast, then 4 years in Auckland in Devonport with weekends out at Piha, Muriwai and odd break in Kerikeri - magic. Looking back though I kept wondering when Nelson would get a mention and there ya go! Lovely spot - really must swing back and visit some time. Also fond memories of Havelock North!
Yeah I was born in auckland and i still have trauma about that place, terrible childhood. Was bullied and spent a lot of my life there scared, afraid, confused, lonely and abadonment, i have ptsd from there. Am currently in Nelson and it's okay here, I'm keen see the other cities.
Strange that Queenstown was left out. I know Oamaru has only 13,000 people but I think it's one of the nicest places to visit or live, it's really special.
Nelson is such a beautiful city to live in. Born and raised there. Its a shame that so many people are moving there and the infastructure can't really keep up. But otherwise. Perfect❤
I live fairly close, but I don't bother going there any more, traffic is Awful and I just don't like it any more. If I wanted that kind of traffic and all that busy-ness, I would go back up north.
if i would pick top 3 best city in nz this is the list 1) Rotorua- the cultre, Luge, maori villages, prehistoric geyser's at Te Puia and more 2) Nelson- one of the most popular city in nz 3) Tauranga- the veiw, mt Maunganui,the beach and more please dont hate these are my choices
Rotorua is a good tourist trap city but an absolute hole to live in, one of the nastiest cities going along with Whangarei, Gisborne, Whanganui, South Auckland
I’m a Christchurch person, and I agree! Lots of pluses: good sized city so good places to eat, great culture, great rugby! And then lots to do in the outdoors: sea, hills, mountains, and lots of cool places nearby for weekends, like Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, Arthur’s Pass, and Kaikoura. So we love it!
Gotta say it, i love Dunners. I live rurally out at the beach but Dunners is only 30 mins drive & its got everything you need - not too big, not too small. In my 20s I had a blast pissing it up in town on the weekends. But my fave place in NZ (besides my hometown of Wairoa/Mahia Beach) is def Nelson. If i could pick anywhere in NZ to live itd be there, fabulous place!
Yes!!! Nelson!!! It's beautiful here. Every day when I get out of bed and look out on the town, the hills and the sea, I thank my lucky stars for being here.
you must ignore all the suffering then, toxic positivity is ruining this country just as a false image for the world to attract tourists for their money like a honey pot trap
There were places I thought wouldn't make the list that made it so yah. Also when you put Napier was above Hastings, that automatically gets you in my good books lol
A city in New Zealand today has to be an urban area of 50,000 residents since 2002. Under these new rules Upper Hutt wouldn't count but as it already had a city council under the old rules it retains it's city status Tauranga was declared a city under these "new" rules. Rotorua and Whangarei could be declared "real" cities under these new rules due to population but have chosen to remain as part of "district councils" for now instead
You forgot Dargaville, provincial town with a sign that says "population 5000 and still growing" which has been unchanged since 1970 !! It's claim to fame: Kumara capital of NZ and a Classic Band Rotunda next to the wide Wairoa River and pub.
Definitely depends on your personality and outlook. I really don't like Auckland largely due to traffic, number of people, high house prices, and time to get anywhere - granted it does offer a warm (if sometimes wet) climate and has more activities on offer than other cities. While the north island does have some great scenery, I think the south island has the more stunning scenery (West coast, Fiordland, Queenstown, Catlins, Kaikoura coast, Marlborough sounds to mention just a few areas). Canterbury plains travel can be a bit boring though.
For me it would be Queenstown if I was a multimillionaire, Sadly Queenstown has been suffocated to death by the rich. The only thing that keeps it alive is tourism for those that can travel and have the money and even then I doubt they would be able to stay long as everything there costs so much. Sadly house prices NZ wide are horrible, even a shack is 400k
I was sure he'd call Queenstown no. 1. Kinda strange it's not even mentioned. But I learned about new places I haven't seen yet for my 4th visit to NZ. P.S. I am bloody jealous you live there! If only one day..... 😊
Interesting ranking but to rank our Cities is definitely a personalised thing, ea to their own sort of thing. My top rankings for example are currently (because they always change) Queenstown and Taupo and my low would include Dunedin and Rotorua. I just find Rotorua really dark at night and I can't stand the sulfur smell.
Totally agree is definitely personal and subjective! Although I couldn’t include Taupō & Queenstown on this list as it was cities only, but they are both incredible
As an invercargill man myself, about the only bad things i have to say about the place is that theres not much to do in the CBD, and the roads north and south of invercargill are Shockingly bad, there riddled with potholes, and the amount of heavy traffic through there is insane
Lived in Nelson for 12 years. Came to Wellington for work and to join my man. But Nelson is dear to my heart. My kids were born there. My great grandmother brought 9 children to Nelson in the 1860s. Ship was wrecked just as they got close, luckily they all survived and went on to be a founding family.
Curls a higher Ranking for Tauranga/Mount Maunganui/Papamoa with semi-tropical climate, beautiful long beaches ,climb Mauao extinct volcano for best view ever, kite surf down. Mount has known Surfing meccas Matakana island,Tay St, heaps of Avos and Kiwifruit orchards.Big harbour for cruise ships, shipping biggest export Port in NZ, big yacht club for sailing, Mount has the only hot salt water pools in NZ, several Thermal hot pools, known for Speedway track car racing , big Jazz festival, Art and Garden festival, Art Gallery, Baycourt. Bayfair and Lakes shopping malls. Tauranga Strand for bars and foodies, Mount shopping/ cafes, cruise ship visitors, big marina, fishing mecca and swimming with dolphins, trips to Tuahua (Mayor island), there is a lot going on here!!
I thought the ranking were fair, although I would rate Wellington up higher. I had to pause the video before you announced the number 1 city and ran through my mind all the cities you has already rated. After some thought I corrected guessed Nelson as number 1.
Interesting list , the fact you have Gisborne so high made my eyebrows raise a bit….and to have it higher than New Plymouth is bizarre ( ex resident so I am Biased), in other words if this was my list Gissy would be last. But good on you for putting this together and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Invercargill certainly should be rated a lot higher, free study at SIT, lower cost of living with cheaper housing. The weather isn't as bad as everyone makes out and some people actually like temperatures below 25 in the summer, it is also just a 2 hour drive to Queenstown, Te Anau, Central Otago or Dunedin and there is a direct flight to and from Auckland. Traveling around the city you can go anywhere within a 10 minute drive and none of the traffic issues the bigger cities have. Cities that should get a lower ranking include Auckland and Hamilton. Hamilton really should just be considered a suburb of Auckland. Auckland you have the high cost of living, people living in cars, traffic issues I can go on.
Hi ... I got an admission in SIT in invercargill I'm from India May I know how about the job vacancies in invercargill? Myself and my husband are planning to move from India to new zealand ( invercargill) I heard many of the organisations and businesses were not running properly there and most of them were in bankruptcy...Can you give some information regarding the job market in invercargill so it will be a great help for us
I was born and grew up in Nelson and I love it here. I've been all over NZ and travelled to many places overseas and can't think of a better place to live!
Hi, planning to move from Western Australia to New Zealand. I am a family of 4, 1 of my son is Autistic. Which city would be best in New Zealand should I move to, do you think so my Son can get the help just like he is having in Western Australia? Thanks
The problem with all these towns, most are not really cities, is employment. Which means you can realistically retire to these places. I do agree about Nelson though.
Thanx for this as I am an International student planning to settle...lived in Dunedin for 4 years but thinking of moving away to another city...this is great!!!!
