There is considerably more to do in Auckland, in my opinion, however, given your preferences, Wellington seems like the place to be. Wellie is a very cool city, and there is a great amount of wildlife resources right on your doorstep. Plus, of course, you have super easy access to the South Island.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.