Is camping and traveling Around New Zealand generally safe?

I hitchhiked around the Western US for 6 months long ago, when you COULD hitchhike. A couple of pointers: You are going to be a stranger and homeless most of the time. Whether people respond positively or negatively to you depends entirely on you: Keep clean, keep your clothes clean, shave. Never, never ever beg. Work for your keep if you need to do that. Be outgoing, reach out to people, be wholesome and honest and decent to them. I mean - reach out and TELL them that this is who you are. They will either include you or treat you like a strange troll, it all depends on the attitude you project.

My only question is why 12 months in New Zealand, its just not that big??? I went to N.Z got a campervan saw everything that was of interest in aboout 6 weeks.

Private property even in rural places is private property. Trespassing is trespassing. ASK before you go on others land or set up a camp.If in doubt STAY OUT.

Is it guaranteed 100% crime free? NO

MOST are able to do this without issue.

A year in the "bush" You will not be allowed out of the Airport if you do not have a REASONABLE plan and a REASONABLE way to fund your activities.

TOURISTS do not work. Those with a one year work holiday visa can.

Can you have lots of time to explore the less populated areas? YES. Many public parks just follow the rules of the place you intend to sleep.

Unless the sheep attack you, you'll probably be fine. Are you a New Zealand citizen? Have you looked into what kind of visa you'll need to stay there for a year?