(Warning - Glenda essay coming up.)
If you take New Zealand, turn it upside down and plonk it at the same latitude on the northern hemisphere, the tip would be touching North Africa. Of course, in reality it is not has hot as that here - New Zealand is kept as cool by ocean winds and currents as the UK is kept warm by the Atlantic ones.
However, due to the latitude the sun is much much stronger here than the UK, it is brighter, and the daylight hours shorter in the summer and longer in the winter compared to the UK.
The stronger sun seems to make cold days more bearable - especially for those living in badly insulated and heated houses.
Different areas have different climates - Christchurch, Dunedin and Napier areas have cold winters but they also have some of the highest temperatures in the summer and the least rain. The verges are often yellow in colour in these areas during the autumn from lack of rain. Nelson, Blenheim and Wellington areas have a more idyllic weather - plenty of sun, some rain, though Wellington can get very windy. New Plymouth, Hamilton and Tauranga areas are wetter (bit like the west country UK), usually snow-free winters (except for mountainous areas) and get very warm in summer. From Auckland upwards, you would not expect to see snow at all, have plenty of both rain and sun and humidty in all seasons and, whilst the summer temperatures are a tad lower in the north (mid 20's instead of mid 20's to 30's), they are usually the highest in the winter.
You will usually get better weather moving to NZ, though perhaps not as noticeable Dunedin southwards.
Weather isn't everything though - work is important and easier to find in the main cities. Those cities also have more activities and events going on - which are a boon if you are here with no family or friends.
Then there is personal preference - usually applicable to those who tour the country and find an area they hope they will be comfortable living. That is how we decided on Northland ... that and being able to grow your own oranges.
