money and living abroad

I'm moving to New Zealand for a year on a WHV and I don't know what to do with my money. I have a fair amount saved to get me started there, and I plan on starting work within 6 weeks of arrival, although we'll see....
Does anyone have any recommendations of how to access my money (dollars/American bank account) from New Zealand without paying ridiculously high withdrawl fees everytime I want to take money out of my account? I've done a fair bit of traveling and usually rely on ATMs abroad, sucking up the withdrawl fee, as I usually take out large quantities that last me for days at a time. In addition, NZ is going to be the most expensive (for me) destination I have ever traveled to, so I anticipate needing/using a lot of $$$$ from the start. I don't particularly care for travelers' checks and my credit cards charge for international usage (5% on each transaction) So basically I would rather not pay $5-$10 each time I use a NZ ATM....
What have other WHV participants done? A friend of mine suggested converting ALL of my savings to a more stable currency as the dollar is falling and the economy is rapidly declining, and then wiring the money to another account that I set up when I get there. Am I going to be eligible to open a bank account in NZ with the type of visa I have? Any ideas? Oh and I leave in a few days!!!!!! THANKS!

There are probably others who are better able to handle most of your questions, but I'd suggest looking at a better credit card if you're going to live overseas. I believe Capitol One doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.

I use my American credit union for my money and just use an ATM to take out cash every couple of weeks and I'm not being hurt by fees too badly.

Capital One credit card...no fees

Bank of America ATM card....no fee when used at Westpac. I believe there are Westpac in NZ, but I've never been. I am sure someone will come along and clarify whether they exist and how easily it is or isn't to find one.

We certainly do have westpac's here - they are very common and will be in basically every decent sized town, or there will at least be a westpac ATM.

Hope this helps,
Let me know if you need any help re: NZ.

Where are you planning to go?

Amanda