Too often seen as Australia’s poor relation, New Zealand boasts lush scenery, a thriving tourist business and a unique identity that sets it apart from its Antipodean neighbour and makes it an appealing proposition for British emigrants.

The 2011 Rugby Union World Cup brought a new level of interest to the country throughout the Kiwi winter, with over 130,000 people visiting New Zealand between July and October for the tournament. In fact, October was the first month since February to show an increase in net migrants to the country, a statistic which has been attributed in part to the sporting event. The hotly-anticipated prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, is also being filmed in New Zealand. Due for release in 2012 and 2013 and with New Zealand’s favourite son Peter Jackson at the helm, it looks set to reinvigorate the world’s love affair with Middle Earth.

Despite such events helping to put New Zealand on the map, the country has experienced an annual net loss of migrants this year for the first time in a decade. However, according to the New Zealand government, net migrants from the UK did increase by 5,700 in the 12 months to October 2011.

One reason for the overall drop was the earthquake which rocked the country last February. Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter Scale. It caused over NZ$30bn worth of damage, yet the rebuilding process has opened up an opportunity for those unafraid of some hard work.

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