Well I would say the best thing for you would be to visit
NZ before you buy a place, get the feel of the area where you may move too before you leap in.
Heaps of places and small towns within
NZ are quite neat but a lot would depend on what you want from things? Do you require nightlife, Schools for children, possibly employment.
Each subject needs to be looked at and you need to balance your needs before you go ahead and buy a place over the web otherwise you will commit yourself to living in one place.
Heaps of regards
Dave A