Hi Crazycanuck.
I know I'm gate-crashing a thread, but I'm going to reply anyway.
Palmerston North is where I come from. It's not such a bad place, with heaps of university students & cycle friendly roads. During winter it's either frosty. overcast or raining. Sydney's weather has spoiled me alot, I've even developed a tan during my time spent in Oz.
Anyway, back to the discussion at hand

Happy Cycling