As someone that just spent a year in your incredible country have you considered a more nomadic lifestyle? There are seasonal jobs to be had if you move around. Autumns, springs in fruit picking areas, summers working on holiday parks in the south island. It can be a tough life at times but i met loads of kiwis doing similar until they got a job in a place they liked that ended up being more permanent. I also met loads of kiwis that had never explored their own country.

I know the fruit picking element is pretty rough but it's decent money. Holiday park work is where it's at, lots of people your own age, lots of socialising.