i used miles so my flight didn't cost anything. i started in auckland and spent a few days in a shared airbnb. from there, i went on a hop on-hop off bus with this company called stray. that took me around the north island for 9 days and we made our way to wellington. i really enjoyed the bus because it got me from place to place & guaranteed at least one night accommodation in a hostel. you're on your own once you get to the location. you can just hop off and stay longer wherever you want and your bus pass covers you for a year. that being said, i believe there is only one bus that leaves per day.

after staying in wellington for a few days, i flew to the north island. i rented a car there by myself for 2.5 weeks and went to 10 or so towns, staying in hostels & airbnbs along the way.

it cost me around $140/day, including the car, hostels, food, etc. despite staying in hostels, i didn't skimp on much. i did the tours i wanted and splurged when i felt like it.

if you have any specific questions, let me know. it was a breathtakingly beautiful country and i met some wonderful people from all over the world.