A year ago Hamilton businessman Aaron Ogilvie made plans to shift his family to live and work in Rotorua.
They had holidayed in the area for the past 20 years and enjoyed the amenities, lakes and relaxed way of life.
"It has been our favourite place," he said.
"Whenever we holidayed here it was like going to another country, the lakes, the fun, the hotels - it has always been a highly enjoyable experience to stay here."
But the decision to move permanently rested entirely on finding work for himself in the city, he said.