Our( Me & My husnband Manish) experience about country is high standard of living, robust economy, strong infrastructure and low population density means peaceful life with easy access to nature and dark skies for stargazing. There are a lot of Asians in New Zealand called as Asian New Zealanders primarily due to sustained immigration policies with major influxes from China, India, Philippines, Fiji & Korea, so you will find lot of Indian restaurants & people here who speaks Hindi and can be of help. We met so many. Driving is fairly easy in NZD due to proper signage on road although there are a few mountainous and curvy roads. Self drive is surely the best way to exploreNZD as you would want to make many stops and take the nature in( wish we could have taken a carvan to go cross): maybe next time if life permits!! When you are here it would be best to confirm at information sites as the weather here changes drastically from a sunny morning to windy ranining evening, to ensure if the passes and tunnels are open, otherwise you waste your time.