UoA is the best uni in the best country

I went to NZ for my masters degree at UoA but my motives were not purely academic. I had visited the south island previously and fell in love with the raw, natural beauty of the country. When presented with the opportunity to study at a prestigious university in one of the world's most breath-taking countries I could not refuse (not to mention it was so much cheaper than pursuing a masters degree in the US). My program of study was a research masters so I was offered flexibility in when I studied and when I traveled. Throughout my year in NZ I was able to travel to Australia, Samoa, and all over NZ multiple times. On weekends when I needed a little rest from traveling I would explore the farmers markets around Auckland, visit art galleries, and hit up some local bars; Auckland is the best city for you if you're the kind of person who wants to have fun on the weekends but have a normal-paced life during the week. If the laid-back lifestyle of NZ is what you're after then the only smart option in UoA.