I had no reservations except for the first 2 nights in Auckland and the Milford Track. I had an InterCity bus pass. I generally tried to find single accommodations.
All price mentioned are in local currency.
I checked my email at public Internet access facilities where I could find them. Unfortunately, I lost my NZ notes and don't remember the exact addresses of these places. This was an ordinary motel about half way between the city and the airport. This was booked before I left the US because I didn't want to deal with find a place on the first day in a foreign country. I took a morning bus to the Bay of Islands area and planned to stay in Paihia.