Hello all!

I'm new to the forum, and was wondering if any of you could give me some advice on the best locations in NZ for a CCIE Network Architect to find work.

My partner and I, (he's the CCIE, I'm a Business Analyst) are looking into moving to NZ at some point in the future, and are conducting a scouting mission in November of all the most likely places so we can work out where the best place for us to settle would be.

Auckland is the obvious answer for most jobs, but I'd like to know if there is anywhere else we could look for CCIE roles. I know his role is much more specialised than mine, so chances are I'll be able to find work wherever he can.

We're both on the required skills list, from the UK and in our 30s so at the moment I'm not too worried about visas, I just want to know where to direct my military style scouting mission so we can get a good idea of the kind of lifestyle options we'd have in different locations.

My lifestyle preferences are for easy access to the countryside, lots of open space and places to horse ride, and his preferences are for open space, but close enough proximity to places that do yoga, pilates and Ju Jitsu classes.

I would prefer the South island, he prefers the North (but we haven't seen either yet) and neither of us want a commute longer than about 45 minutes.

I'd really love to hear some of your own experiences / suggestions / lifestyle choices.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hal.