best place in New Zealand to live

My husband and I are moving to New Zealand in November from Vancouver. We are looking for a place that is kind of "artsy", laid back, and on the ocean. Also, the warmer the climate, the better! Any suggestions would be great! Thanks for the help!

Hi there;
I would suggest Titirangi as the place to be.
Would seem to meet your criteria. Not quite on the ocean although there are some nice beaches very close by. Anmd definetly artsy.
In the heart of Auckland City is Parnell - trendy - artsy and numerous beches within 10-15 minuites drive. But pricey to live in.
Hope this helps. To give you some idea of housing you might care to email me for an appropriate link.

im from van origninally as well, and have been in NZ for the last 4 years lived in a few areas and in my opinion the marlbrough region is the nicest by far (north islanders will disagree of course) weather is great and the wine and food are top notch

Warmest area is Northland, Kerikeri is kind of funky, but that whole region is a bit "remote". Napier struck me as a neat spot, very artsy, certainly on the water.

I'd definately check out Nelson (just around the corner from the Marlborough region). It pretty muc ticks all your boxes: arty, laid back, on the ocean, plenty of wineries and orchards nearby, just a ferry ride from Wellington city, and most hours of sun per year for the entire country.

I would suggest Waiheke Island. It is only a 35 minute ferry to downtown Auckland. It is very artsy and laid back and right in the Gulf. It's usually a few degrees warmer than Auckland as well.

Hope this helps

Napier is the artsiest place in NZ I can think of. After it was pretty much levelled by an earthquake in the 1930's, they decided to rebuild it in the art deco style. It's on the east coast and gets high(er) amounts of sunshine throughout the year. It's not as big as Vancouver though.