Drinking age is 18 bro. none of this 21 shit like in the states.
If i were you i would save as much as possible and try to not work at all, get urself a place in WANAKA, closer to snowpark and more rider orientated and more scenic and more fucking everything, and ski 5-6 days a week and be hung over / recovering 1 day a week! then you will progress.
you will be able to live for NZ $100 p/month. that will cover your rent, petrol, food and a bit extra. your dollars are worth way more here too so that won't be too hard to save.
Just a thought. any extra money and you can shop / hit the piss etc.
I have done my last 5 seasons like this, it's not hard, just save. maybe work a couple of days.
PeAce
M