Plan your job hunting strategies before you go and don't limit yourself to Auckland. Write to friends and family in New Zealand for advice. If you have been to university, your school may also have useful information. If you have good office skills you could sign on with the many employment agencies in the large cities. These are great for finding short-term assignments, giving you the flexibility to go off traveling whenever you want.
Many participants work in the service industry, for example waiting tables.
These jobs are relatively easy to come by, especially in the tourist centers . One thing to remember in New Zealand is that they do not tip wait staff, but don't worry, the higher wages more than compensate. As there are so many backpackers in New Zealand, the job market is geared towards short-term workers like you. There is a huge variety of jobs and IEP will go into more detail at your arrival orientation. So if working on a farm or picking fruit appeals, IEP can point you in the right direction.