Mark, no matter where you are in NZ you're never that far from open spaces, mountains, trees and nature. Auckland is a big city and it's pretty sprawly. When you look out over the city it's not built 'up' it's built 'out' There are few high risers and lots of little buildings that just stretch the city out. The harbour is the hub and like all cities built around a harbour, it brings a busy but laid back feel with it.
The salary you mention is a good opening salary man!! We'd manage very nicely on that thank you very much and we're a family of 5. We don't, however, live in Auckland. With house prices pretty static and even falling a little just now, the advice from all seems to rent if possible and sit tight for interest rates to come down a little. Renting means no rates, no water rates and there are an abundance of types, sizes and prices of property on the market. We are renting a beautiful house in the country with 4 acres of land for $400 a week. We could never afford to buy this place so we're grateful for every day we have here.
Communting from outside shouldn't be a problem, from what I've heard the traffic is terrible up there so it shouldn't be too difficult a choice. The times I have been up there, I've sat on the motorway static for a good half hour at a time, maybe not a lot compared to the M25 but it's not what we came to NZ for.
If you love the outdoors then NZ will give you the opportunity and the weather to enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Nothing stops the kiwis from enjoying the great outdoors, most people enjoy outdoor pursuits and you usually find when you get to where you're heading, there's no one else for miles!!
It all sounds like it could fit you well buddy. Hope you take the plunge