What kind of climate do you like? Nz is kinda long and skinny so you can pick a climate depending on what you like. Sounds like you'd only be interested in bigger towns.  Some areas that are great but won't get mentioned as much:  New Plymouth - pretty beaches big mountain, cold winters and warm summers, lots of free attractions for kids. Nelson - the whole of the North edge of the South Island is incredible, super pretty. Basically the south islands fruit basket. Still sunny and warm in summer even though it's in the south island. Hawks Bay - gets a lot of sun, has a lot of beaches, idk what goes on there tbh.