10. Natural & open environment Kayaking along New Zealand's coastline A spectacular landscape and sparse population give New Zealand a special quality. Even if you don't get to experience much of it on a daily basis, it leaves lasting impressions. People who experienced New Zealand talk about outdoor experiences and adventure sports. These include nature walks, skiing, bike riding and boating. There is an abundance of fresh produce and the food and wine are rated highly. This is how an Auckland resident of 10 years who moved from the UK puts it: Amazing scenery. Pretty much everywhere you go, it's either scenic, very scenic or extremely scenic! You can drive for a short distance and witness huge changes in the landscape - rain forest, mountains, volcanoes, fiords, semi-desert - you name it. Less stress too. It's far less crowded and busy than the UK. Even in Auckland I know of at least 8 beaches within an hour's drive where you could pretty much guarantee that you'll have the place to yourself - ten other people max