Hi Vixen,
Welcome to the forum. You are right about the difference in opinion about the various areas to live, especially North Island vs South Island. It very much depends on what you are looking for personally. NI is more densely populated and is somewhat warmer than SI. As for the facilities you mention, most suburbs of both the islands should be within striking distance of some, if not all of them. If you want to venture outside the suburbs to the rural areas, then you would need to research further to ensure that what you are looking for will be available within reach.
What you do need to consider uppermost is an area where there is work available in your field, without too much of a commute. I don?t know your circumstances, but would imagine that securing a job would be a priority and finding an area that can provide you with this job would form the backbone of your search for somewhere to live. I don?t think anyone could advise you one way or the other regarding preference of living in NI or SI, as there are many people living on both who are perfectly happy where they are and wouldn?t consider swapping islands. It?s a case of horses for courses. Take a look at the link below, click on the green place names and it?ll give you some information about the different areas. It won?t cover them all by any means but it?ll give you a head start. If you have any more questions about a specific area that takes your fancy, then feel free to ask. It?s easier to comment on one or two areas rather than NZ as a whole. Good luck with your research.
http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;...t=Urban%20Area