First time overseas trip

#5 I found it's not easy to do a round trip by public transport, you'll need a car for that
True, or take a tour. Whatever, do NOT drive a car up 90 mile beach.

We visited in 2012 and flew from the US in and out of Wellington. Not much difference in price than Auckland. Smaller city, splurge and stay at the museum hotel to start your visit, amazing national museum there. Great place to get oriented and settled, then tour around. We just saw the S Island and Wellington, over 2 weeks. Distances are huge, lovely, and slow driving (like Alaska). Plane flights can be worth it. We are near your decade, age wise. Check out hostels and holiday parks with private rooms and ensuite bath. Nothing like that exists in US. They were great.

check out WAIPAUA well worth a visit ( largest tree in new Zealand) easy drive if you see a kauri wood museum sign on your travels pop in . that wood and tree is truly amazing .to see. roads as good as you want but note. speed cameras all over. not just in built up areas. you will have a great time I am pretty certain. but keep stuff in trunk. as a pre caution.

oops think its waipoua . typo