You should all be coming to New Zealand to learn, we teach hundreds of students a year and most only require 6-7hrs tuition and a 7 hour package costs only $450nzd, all inclusive.
I took lessons myself when I switched from windsurfing 10 years ago, and glad I did, nothing like actually doing a deep water self rescue with someone there to make sure you do it right. Sure you can learn without instructors if you are bringing other sports to the party but if you have no water sport or air sport experience you are going to struggle and make some grave mistakes, if you are lucky, you will get away with them but an instructor can (and should) minimize these mistakes and mitigate the consequences of making a mistake so you don't damage the equipment, or worse yourself OR EVEN WORSE The PUBLIC.
Also lessons are a great way to meet folks who are at your level, and learn how your local spots work, where the danger areas are, and get into the kite community.
Seen some shocking instructors 5-1 ratios etc but most are getting better now.
Dan
NZBoardstore.