Well, I've lived here for the last 9 months and I love it! Yes, the scenery is fantastic, yes you can see most if not all of the LOTR locations, and a stunning trek it is too. Yes the people are friendly and helpful to a fault. The sailing is superb as is the wine.

But, bugger, it can be very cold in the winter and they haven't found out about central heating yet.

Ways you know you're getting kiwi-fied
1) You take your running shoes off when you go in the house as they'd be too formal,
2) You go out to a restaurant dinner wearing shorts and carrying your own bottle of wine,
3) You've killed a possum (*real* Kiwis do it with 4x2's, I did it with a car),
4) You've bought a guitar on TradeMe and forgotten about eBay

Anyway, any 'Catters wanting to visit should not hesitate. another bonus - particularly for Brits and Americans - is that it's a low-cost economy, so your money goes a long way, if you avoid the more obvious tourist traps and stay out of the hotels. Backpacking is the way to go.

And thanks to all the Kiwis in the folk music scene here who have helped me get into it. (The scene, incidentally is thriving mightily... almost too many gigs, blackboard concerts, singalongs and festivals to get round in the average guy's working week).

Don't hesitate if you have ever thought about a visit, or even emigrating.