Tramping Partner Wanted/Suggestions

Hi everyone, I just flew into Christchurch (Canadian here) and solo traveling around the country for 5 weeks and I want to do some tramping. I don't have any experience with overnight tramps but I've done lots of day hikes and have all the equipment for an overnight journey. I'm probably going to go south from Christchurch then up the west coast to begin my trip. Any suggestions as to how I might find some tramping partners and any suggestions for some tramps that I should do. Cheers! JP