In reply to fritatas:
I’ll add my support to the opinions above, having lived in Christchurch for 12 years: it’s not great, but pretty good for lots of things. I wouldn’t go there for the climbing, but there’s plenty nearby if you need a fix. You can ski tour and surf in the same day (if you really want to!)
MTBing is probably the stand out that is really good, and very close, I could bike straight from home to a large number of good tracks.
Mountaineering suffers from the NZ poor rock and inconsistent snow, but if you’re brave enough and after more overall experience rather than technical challenge it’s nearby.
Tramping (NZ term for hiking) is good, and varied, and close.
The city/town is better than made out above: plenty going on, lots good cafes, bars and restaurants, and easy to get around.
NZ negatives probably similar to other countries: fast rises in cost of living and stagnating salaries, one of the most expensive house markets in the world compared to average income, a disintegrating health care system, the highest car ownership in the world, of mostly old cars, driven unsafely but with much entitlement, with little tolerance to cycling or public transport. A right wing coalition government that has just started a program of public austerity.
So best to weigh up pros and cons, come with eyes open, and if not immediately planing on permanent move, come give it a try.