To the original poster.....I have been to both places Cardiff and New Zealand. And hands downs I prefer
NZ. I was just over in England in September and had a wonderful time, stayed with friends in Monmouthshire.
When my wife and I took a holiday to
NZ we stayed in the Hawkes Bay area and it truly an amazing place. Everyone we met was friendly and always seemed willing to help a hand with others.
I couldn't tell you much about internet capibilities or the job market or housing.
Next is for CrisMa, if costs are a concern try to plan your vacation starting in Feburary. It is the end of there summer season and airfare is lower. When my wife and I planned our holiday to
NZ, we first looked at going in Jan. The cost of each plane ticket was going to be $2600 US. Moving our date to leave in Feb lowered the price each ticket to just under $1500 US.
If money is no object plan it for anytime you wish (and you can always send me some)