Honestly, $5kNZD (~£2k) will get you a really nice bike that should take you to very enthusiastic amateur; if you are doing significant jumps/drops than you will know what you need and spend accordingly.
A $5k bike is not extreme by any stretch; and the NZ tax also hits. I have seen $14k (~£6k) in my local bike shop, non-electric mtb.
Note: I mountain bike regularly and my bike cost me $5kNZD 12 years ago…I mainly ride grade 2/3 tracks these days with the occasional grade 4. Not an authority on mountain biking, but I have a bit of experience in bike costs and what you get for your money.









2.33:1