Nelson & Napier New Zealand
 

Am told that Napier in North Island and Nelson in South Island are good places to live. Close to Sea/Mountains with an attractive lifestyle. Before I trudge across the world to check this out (going to Brisbane OZ too) does anyone have an opinion. We're nurses who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle but reasonable shopping and towns that have reached the 21st Century.

Cheers,

Roger

Napier is nice, small, rural NZ town. After the 1931 earthquake which reduced the entire town to rubble, it was completely rebuilt in the art deco style. supposed to have the largest number of art deco buildings anywhere. Plenty of wineries around too, the Hawkes bay produces some of NZ's best wine. Also has some of the warmest weather in NZ. The downsides are that its miles away from anywhere (5hrs drive from Auckland) & pretty quiet & sleepy. If you're after nightlife/bars that remain open after 9pm, Napier is not for you.

Re: Nelson & Napier New Zealand
 

if there's one place on the planet i could live it'd be nelson - paradise!
napier is pretty decent. it's not so much rural but more of a shipping port town. isolation is irrelevant when you have with what you need. however, it's location may be a concern if you wish to spend your weekends driving to other towns - any drive will be time consuming.