Invercargill, New Zealand

Capital City

The southernmost city in the Commonwealth has a population of 50,200. While the long summer days and stunning natural surroundings are appealing, the relentless wind and rain are a persistent headache. Bureaucracy is a fact of life, with the city's alcohol sales still tightly controlled by a local licensing trust. Invercargill may appeal to those seeking a slower pace and closer ties to the land, but its remote location and inclement weather are not for the faint of heart.