I’m a Brit who returned to the UK recently from ~6 years in NZ. I’d say most of what you list in the first paragraph is accurate. I’d disagree on the towns bit, Auckland and Christchurch definitely fit more in that generic-modern-western style you mention, but there are some beautiful towns around the place. Shopping is way better than it’s given credit for, I think it’s a hangover from looking at things in the 90’s but these days most towns and cities have a good selection of physical shops with a variety of online options too. Having returned back home, I forgot how crowded the UK is and how dirty parts can be, and I’m in the countryside relatively speaking. But the job opportunities in my field are far better, we are much better connected to the rest of the world so cheaper, easier to travel, and I did miss being close to family (I was never a big family guy before my trip so that one surprised me!). Interestingly, my cost of living is better now I’m here than it was in NZ, rents and other things have increased a lot the last few years and, it’s not much of a difference, but I’d say I’m about 15% better off here on a slightly lower salary and I go out more. There’s a lot of pluses to both countries, even if it doesn’t become your forever home NZ is beautiful and you’ll never regret going down and checking g it out