Studying in NZ - which university?

My wife and I are pondering the possibility of moving to New Zealand in a couple of years (postdoc for her, Ph.D for me).

To a certain extent, where we end up may well be dictated to us, but all else being equal, any opinion on pros/cons of the 7 university towns, and/or the reputation of the schools?

-Auckland (University of Auckland)
-Hamilton (University of Waikato)
-Palmerston North (Massey University)
-Wellington (Victoria University of Wellington)
-Christchurch (University of Canterbury)
-Canterbury (Lincoln University)
-Dunedin (University of Otago)

Specifically, what are there good/bad neighborhoods to live in? We might buy a house there, if things are reasonably affordable.

Also, how hard is it to get a work visa (my wife would need one for doing her postdoc)?

Just for entertainment, I added a poll (you can vote purely based on where'd you'd want to live, regardless of the university)

I can't answer your question about universities, sorry.

But I would have a look at their real estate website and that might give you a better idea of how much housing cost in those places. They also have rentals on there as well.

http://www.realestate.com.au/

I would like to mention that you should double check that you are allowed to buy a house on whatever visa you are on. I have no idea what the regulations are in New Zealand, but I know in Australia it can be difficult for certain visa holders to buy property.

Permanent residents would be no problem. But if you are going over on a student visa then I really would double check how easy it would be.