I'm glad you experienced that - there are xenophobic people here just like any other and it would be a huge shame if you felt unwanted in our land. Were you in Queenstown/Wanaka in the week of 7th January? If so we probably walked past each other! If I had remembered/known a hubski person was floating around the area I'd have shouted you some drinks! I'm also glad you got to take the local advice - the Internet and blogs will get you to and from most places but the real gems are found by chatting to us hobbits. A lot of us truly love showing off the land and the secret places to people willing to hunt them out. What did your trip consist of overall, did you get to travel both islands? I am biased as all hell but the south reigns supreme for me.. Anyway I'm very pleased you enjoyed it!