[cashmonkey85]

There is no anti-tourist feelings in New Zealand at all. You were just experiencing New Zealand like a local. It's an expensive country with not many people. If a shop can price gouge because of no competition it will. Customer service is terrible in general and you might be overcharged.

A "backpacking" is a traveler that's seen positively In New Zealand. Most NZs have gone traveling with a backpack at some point in their lives.