You would have plenty of options except for the Verizon requirement. Off the top of my head, NZ is all gsm. No lte (4g) yet. Verizon is cdma and lte. And they use different frequencies to boot. Verizon lte is terrific and the best cell network in the us. Sure there are a few world phones that may work at full speed with most providers, but they are the latest top of the line, big bucks phones, which you said you didn't need. Verizon is weird about their phones. They like to control them, and make them different than stock. To make sure to get the best out of their network, get a Verizon labeled phone. If you are loyal to Verizon, I think you might be best served getting a reconditioned or used model of a once top of the line like a Samsung Galaxy S II or Nexus for NZ. Used iPhones cost too much. Then get a subsidised Verizon phone when you get back. $200 for the latest top of the line Samsung, Apple, Droid Razr, Htc. Free for last years best.
