Visiting Auckland from the US

Hi all! Glad to be a part of the forums and super excited about my upcoming trip. NZ has always been very high on the bucket list and it seems as though I will find myself in Auckland for a week of work in July (maybe August). I have a substantial about of "tramping" experience all over the US and a bit in Europe. Everything from solo trips into the Mojave, Yosemite, the Rockies, to stretches of the Appalachian trail and much more. Hoping to get some local advice. I will be in Auckland for a week and plan to take a few days on the tail end to get into the backcountry. I know it is winter there and many of the higher elevations will be touch and go at best. I have a preference for remoteness and prefer to camp in my tent vs a hut. That said, I won't rule the right track out even if it means staying in huts. I will have a car and will be solo so a loop would be best but an in/out is fine too. I am looking for 2-3 night suggestions. I will leave work on Friday and will have Sat-Tues for myself. Open to either north or south island but I know getting very far south might be pushing it given my time frame and the season. Thanks in advance! Excited! -Darren