[chris_gee]

For employment in your field you are limited to Auckland or Wellington.
Be aware that wages are substantially lower, and many costs similar.
Auckland has very easy access to a wide range of sailing.
Wellington much less so as the harbour is smaller the winds strong and you have to cross the Cook Strait which can be very bad to reach cruising grounds.
Wellington is probably a nicer place to live being more concentrated, but has a weather problem.
House prices are high compared with US averages, particularly in Auckland where the median is roughly 560K or 420K US plus depending on the exchange rate.
Because Auckland is on an isthmus most places are relatively close to good beaches. However despite its being a relatively small city - about 2M taking the area as a whole (it is divided into 4 cities but is really one) but this causes sprawl and traffic hassles.
Boats are more expensive than in the US.
Forget snow, the nearest is about 4 hours from Wellington and five from Auckland.
Most comparisons depend on the specifics of your situation, but you are likely to find it more laid back and understated.
Australia is another possibility. It is more prosperous and perhaps more brash. NZ being green and a temperate climate is far prettier.
Forget the sheep stories. A farm park is the closest you will get in the cities.