How to travel to New Zealand
It made me
Ecstatic! 
"Spectacular. Can't wait to go back."
How I did it: Planned it for 18 months so it would coincide with my 40th birthday. Took my backpack and traveled alone, for the most part. Staying in backpacker lodges (like hostels, but generally nicer) made it very affordable.
Lessons & tips: In many restaurants, you get up to pay, rather than having the waitress pick up your money from the table.
Resources: The Lonely Planet guide was a terrific reference. Once you know where you'll be going, just tear those sections out of the book so you can travel lighter.
