I've holidayed in both BC and NZ. I rather suspect Taffy's comment might apply more to eastern Canada (except Canada being colder!) Vancouver is pretty much similar to Auckland IMHO. Have a look at the Ockanagen (sp?) Valley between the Rockies and the Pacific - that is a truly beautiful part of BC. House prices are higher in BC than NZ, but NZ has a much greater geographical diversity than BC. No bears or wolves in NZ! You'll have to holiday in both countries to get a feel and decide. Both are better than UK IMHO :)