Figures show 18,000 Aucklanders gave up the traffic jams for rural life in the five years to 2006.
The dairying boom, technological advances, a decentralising of the manufacturing sector and lifestyle choices are considered factors in the growth of the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty and Canterbury and Otago.
North Waikato farmer Peter Buckley said those moving to the countryside generally fitted in well.
"But there are always the odd few who do cause a bit of grief. I've heard of complaints around people spraying, but this is a part of real life out here.
"There was a complaint about a farmer using silage."
Waikato Federated Farmers president Stew Wadey said he had fielded complaints from newcomers unused to the smells, sounds and sights in the country.
- The New Zealand Herald