Don't worry about getting hassled at NZ customs, they don't just do it to foreigners. I am a New Zealander, and had more questions than any other airport in the world. I was going through Christchurch Airport MEL - CHC - LAX (when Air NZ had the 747 going direct)

So at the very start of my trip, ie, I had only just come from Melbourne, I was queried about why I was staying in NZ for such a short time, (in Transit and you can't stay airside for a long time in Christchurch.)

I had to show my itinerary, my ticket, my business card. I was asked why I had only paid for the ticket a few days before travelling (company policy in case our business plans change) and why I had paid cash for the ticket. (I didn't that's why it has AMEX on the bottom line.)

All this for a NZer travelling to NZ.

Then I got the third degree again from the customs guy in from of x-ray.

I guess they want people to stay longer in NZ.

(I forgot to say - great report, please keep it up. Thanks)