>>2307304North Island is relatively densely populated because 80% of the country's population lives there, but it's still large enough that there's plenty of good /out/.
Lots of beaches, nice green rolling hills, great trails and even some skiing. North Island and the northern tip of the South Island both get nice warm long summers.
If you want the scenery to look more like Lord of the Rings you want to move further south on the South Island near Queenstown where all the other immigrants and Brits live. I live in QT now, it's pretty affordable since Covid but only come here if you want /out/ mixed with the party fratboy culture and 60% of everyone here is either British or from South America.
South Island's climate is a lot like the UK so if you want mild 26 degree summers that are only 2 months long and the rest of the year to be hoodie weather you'll fit right in.
With /out/ in NZ in general though, you can live basically anywhere and as long as you have a car you can be ~20min drive from top-tier /out/.
Can pick up a 2nd-hand car for $2k easy.
As far as /out/ risks, there are not many. You arent at risk of getting bitten by snakes or anything like in Australia, but what DOES kill people is getting lost or injured when too far from civilization.
NZ is the land of hiking trails.
Tramping is the national past-time.
But keep in mind if you sprain your ankle 4 days into a 10 day long trail, there's basically no way to get help.
Every now and then some faggot goes unprepared somewhere they shouldnt be and gets killed by a slip, a fall, an injury or simply just dying of exposure.
Dont let it deter you, just be prepared and you'll be fine.
Lastly, as far as work is concerned in NZ. the tourism industry is fukken dead right now and they'll always prioritize NZ citizens, Aussies and Permanent Residency holders over random backpackers looking for a visa sponsorship
Your best bet is to get a job in a trade.
Hope you like being a construction worker
