Tne economy is certainly not as hammered as the U.K. Jobs like anywhere are easy to get if you have the right skills. I am unsure if there is a large need in the motor trade. Being a "factory trained" mechanic may be an advantage. Work visa's will be easy to come by if there is a recognised skill shortage in that area.
You can also apply for a working holiday visa (2 years?). We have a list of "jobs" that we are requiring, and these can unlock the doors.
The cost of living is supposedly high, however when I returned after 3 years in the U.K. I didn't think **** thats expensive. Certain things are, others aren't. It's relative to the fact that we have 4 million people here in a landmass similar in size to the U.K.
The south island has the main ski areas however they are isolated from the main centres. Christchurch is the largest city in the south island and has 500,000 people. So things here are on a smaller scale. The closest mountain to there is 2 hours drive. So access is limited compared to Canada. The areas around Queenstown are where the main fields are. They are resort like (not in a Whistler way) and offer developing mtb trails in the summer.
It's a life style thing here. I live in the Wellington region and this is a ride I can access from home on my bike. Heres a taster of the riding: Wainui Trail Park similarly there is this close by too Rata Ridge we also have a trail park called makara which is a drive away: Ridgeline at Makara