Check out the "Hostelling International USA" (HI) website and join (if you're not a member already). Accommodations are cheap and usually safe, and it's a great place to meet other backpackers. Join from the U.S. and book hostel reservations for other countries online, such as New Zealand with an HI hostel in just about every city.
Take notes from the "Backpack New Zealand" website. Find specific information for people who like to backpack like locating hostels and campgrounds, buying backpacking gear, going snowboarding or skiing and booking tours and other activities.
Know that you have many flexible and convenient transportation options in New Zealand. Take a plane, bus or train to get around. Contact any of the major coach or bus lines as well as rail companies for information about travel passes-see the "Intercity Travelpass" website.
Contact Air New Zealand for information on the "South Pacific Airpass," which allows you a number of stops not only within New Zealand but also within the South Pacific region (e.g., Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti and Australia).
Create an itinerary for all of the places you want to see and things you want to do in New Zealand. Know that the country offers a lot, and if you are limited on time, you will have to skip some things that maybe you'll have to come back for later.
Contact "Kiwi Experience" for trip planning geared toward backpackers and independent travelers and people who prefer adventure and the outdoors. Hit major attractions, buy flexible travel passes and see the real New Zealand. (Enjoy adventures like white water rafting in the Rangitikei River.)
Realize that New Zealand is diverse, so be prepared for many types of activities and adventures. Visit volcanoes, glaciers, alpine mountains, beaches, vineyards, pubs, museums, historical buildings and more.
Keep in mind that you'll want to see major attractions such as Milford Sound, the whales of Kaikoura, Bay of Islands (and the dolphins there), Maori villages, Auckland, Christchurch, Napier and Wellington.
