Canadian university student looking for Aus+NZ advice

I am a Canadian university student, just graduated from Engineering, with
a few free months before I start my Master's (will be back in Canada). I
have lived in other European countries before, and love traveling.

Having spent a winter with -30 C temps I've come to the realization that
I could be somewhere nicer now. Swimming in the ocean would be a plus.

I'm really looking for a change of scenery and way of life rather than a
crazy backpacking adventure. My idea is to start by living in youth
hostels for a while until I can locate other students in order to share a
house or flat for 3-4 months, approx March - June.

I'd like to set up base in a largish city from where I can continue with
my own consulting work, and/or do odd technical jobs for area companies.
Local technical/engineering employment opportunities would be a plus, but
really not too important -- all I need is a computer to make money.

What I do need for sure is a city with a large university population.
Also, I am an avid cyclist and would like to be able to travel both
inside and outside the city by bicycle. For instance, biking to the ocean
coast would be fantastic. Can one swim in April - June?

After considering several Australian destinations it seems to me that
Melbourne or Brisbane might work out best for me. I am very open to the
idea of setting up base in New Zealand instead, but I am entirely
unfamiliar with that country. Perhaps someone can give me some tips?

I know the temps this time of year are mild. I don't mind biking 3 to 4
hours to go somewhere interesting. But I want to avoid damp conditions.

Any recommendations for cities?

--
Jem Berkes
Windows, UNIX software and system design
http://www.sysdesign.ca/