...another NZ aviation myth for the naive
Most reputable companies won't let you away by yourself unless you've done a minimum of 2 hours training - at $500 an hour (our charter rate is about $600 an hour), you're at the magic grand to spend.
It may not be the space shuttle, but the new type rating requirements in Part 61 mean you have to do a training flight as well as a competency check on the type before signing it off - this form also has to be submitted to the CAA.