Whanganui, New Zealand

The population of Whanganui sits at around 42,200, making it the 19th most populous urban area in New Zealand. While the city boasts a temperate climate, the Whanganui River is prone to severe flooding, a persistent headache for locals. Bureaucracy is another sore point, with the city's name sparking decades of controversy over the spelling. Overall, Whanganui offers a quiet, provincial lifestyle, but its geographic vulnerabilities and administrative challenges may be a turnoff for some.