Hi Jacob - sorry this is a very late response!
Generally speaking most visitors to NZ absolutely love the South Island scenery. Since you will be here in January you will be travelling in peak time, as this is when NZers mostly take their summer holidays too, but I'm sure you'll still be able to find a quiet spot. So to head down South from Auckland there's several options. A flight to Queenstown, which won't be cheap but will only take about 90 minutes. Otherwise it's long way by car or bus which would be a fantastic trip as you stop off on the way at various places. I particularly love the Abel Tasman, which you can hike or kayak through. It's at the top of the South Island, starting near Nelson, which is another one of my favourite places as well.
Queenstown is tourist central, but don't let that put you off because it's also a lot of fun. Not a cheap place to visit though! The scenery is spectacular, and there's plenty of outdoor things to do, plus plenty of places to find a party.
Another option is to head north of Auckland. The beaches on the east coast are truly stunning, and there are lots of very cute little beach towns dotted up and down. It's a very busy time of year, but a lovely atmosphere, and you would certainly get the real "kiwi summer" experience. I recently went away for a weekend to Matapouri, which is about 30 minutes drive from Whangarei, just over 2 1/2 hours from Auckland, and was blown away. I loved it! Perfect weather, gorgeous beach, laid back little town. But definitely not a party town!!
Also north of Auckland on the other coast are equally beautiful beaches, but these are the rugged west coast beaches, black sand and very dramatic scenery. If you head that way I recommend going to the Kauri forest and visiting Tane Mahuta.
It won't be hard to find a place to work through wwoof whereever you end up, north or south, they are dotted all over.
I will be on holiday in Mexico, otherwise I would suggest having a welcome drink in Auckland. Hopefully some of this is helpful. Have an amazing time!
Rachael
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