In essence, New Zealand potters are able to keep their overhead lower than is feasible in the U.S., which influences how many pots they need to make and sell. We tried to allow a flexible time schedule when traveling in order to fully appreciate the country. These scenic islands offer some of the best fly-fishing in the world, as well as wonderful opportunities for hiking and camping. Basic costs as a traveler are comparable to or slightly less than in the United States. New Zealand is a rural country, where having a car to get around is invaluable.
Public transport does exist, but it requires a lot of time and energy.
Hitchhiking is common and safe. For short stays, though, rental cars are one answer. We purchased a used car through a buy-back plan, which gave us mobility and ensured that we could sell the car at the end of our trip. It is hard to imagine an easier country for an English-speaking potter to tour than New Zealand. There is much that can be learned from traveling.