As a backpacker, the best way to get a real taste of New Zealand is to find the festivals and local events in cities and small towns and communities. You will be shocked how much you can make deeper your experience.
Legendary Wild Food festival is one festival that should not be missed. This is held annually in Hokitika, a town on the west coast of South Island. 
Several food festivals are easier to remember, including mountain oysters (sheep testicles), eel spine, cow tit, semen sauce, marinated duck tongue, possum pie and many more. Mmmmmm … Yummy! Do not forget that there are a lot of wine and live music (hamlet-style) in a festival for those who like to drink.
Hokitika has a population of more than 6000 people and they also participate in the Wild Food Festival that was quite interesting. There are many wonderful holiday in New Zealand. Enjoy your backpacking travel and make sure to check your backpack. Click here for more information about Bali.