I've been in New Zealand for almost 18 years now. In Dunedin, south end of the South Island. It's a great place to live and to visit. Especially if you are into mountains, lakes, rivers, and a gazillion miles of shoreline. People are super friendly. Great place to ski or to fly fish.
I miss US as my kids and grandkids are there. Also my brothers. We get back 2-3 times per year. Will be there in about a month, actually. (Also miss great museums and the wider variety of restaurants.)
We are just back from a month long trip to Antarctica. Got to see Scott and Shackleton huts and tons of incredible wildlife (whales, penguins, seals, albatrosses).
People sometimes think of being an ex-pat as turning your back on US. I don't see it that way at all. I still pay a fair amount of taxes in US, vote in the elections, and keep close track of political and social developments. And RU sports of course.