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21 Day New Zealand Vacation option 3
Auckland - Rotorua - Central Plateau - Taranaki - Wanganui - Wellington - Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs - Christchurch/Banks Peninsula - Dunedin - Oamaru/Timaru/Geraldine - Queenstown


Click map to enlarge

For rental car options we recommend:

• Click here for a range of NZ Rental Car companies

Day 1 - Auckland/North Auckland

Accommodation Options:

Hibiscus Coast & Rodney District, North Auckland (inc Kumeu, Orewa, Silverdale, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Matakana Coast, Wellsford & Warkworth)

Auckland Activity Options:

Auckland

Hibiscus Coast & Rodney District, North Auckland (inc Orewa, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Matakana Coast, Wellford & Warkworth)

• Tresco Bed & Breakfast and Lake Rotorua Watersedge Cottage (*from NZ$80 B&B)
• WorldMark Marama Resort (*from NZ$190)
• Ambassador Thermal Motel (*from NZ$105)
• Heywoods Motor Lodge (*from NZ$85)
• Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort (*from NZ$249)
• Fairy Springs Motor Lodge (*POA)
• Atsala Apartment Stay (*from NZ$135)
• Birchwood Spa Motel (*from NZ$105)
• The Great Kiwi Bach (*from NZ$100)
• Waiteti Lakeside Lodge (*from NZ$195 B&B)
• Waiteti Cottage (*from NZ$150)
• Princes Gate Hotel (*POA)
• The Grand Hotel Rotorua (*from NZ$65)
• Emerald Spa Resort (*from NZ$140)
• Four Canoes Hotel (*from NZ$75)
• Capri Court Motor Inn (*from NZ$99)
• Lake Rotoiti Lodge (*POA)
• Tuscany Villas Motor Inn (*from NZ$125)
• Base Hot Rock Backpackers(*from NZ$21)

Rotorua Activity options:

• Te Po Indigenous Maori Experience - Te Puia’s new evening cultural experience - a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai
• Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park - Experience up close encounters with native New Zealand animals and flora & fauna, including a Kiwi bird sanctuary and trout pools
• Te Urewera Treks, Rotorua - Unique eco-cultural wilderness treks venturing into the incredibly remote indigenous podocarp and beech forests of Te Urewera and Whirinaki.
• Tribal Lights Cultural Theatre - Enjoy a traditional NZ dinner and unforgettable experiences where the theatre brings tribal and historical stories of Rotorua to life.
• Off Road NZ - Your one stop adventure centre - U Drive 4WD, Sprint Cars, Monster 4X4 thrillride, claybird shooting, golf, archery.
• Waikite Valley Thermal Pools and the Pukeko in a Ponga Tree BYO Cafe - Bathing and Dining with a difference.
• Agroventures, Rotorua - Adventure activities in one location - Rotorua Bungy, Rotorua Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Shweeb.
• Kaitiaki Adventures, Rotorua - White water sledging and white water rafting adventure tours on many Rotorua rivers including Kaituna, Rangitaiti & Wairoa.
• Rotorua Travel Ltd - The only dedicated tourism company specialising in combined sightseeing of attractions based in Rotorua.
  
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Walk through craters and take a boat cruise on the volcanic crater Lake Rotomahana to view amazing geothermal activity.
• Wet n Wild Rafting - Specialising in white water rafting day trips on the Kaituna, Rangitaiki, Lower Rangitaiki and Wairoa rivers, and in multi-day rafting expeditions, that include a range of overnight to five day expeditions on the Motu and Upper and Lower Mohaka Rivers.
• Hells Gate & Wai Ora Spa - New Zealand's only mud bath spa complex
• Mitai Maori Experience - A close up and personal Maori cultural experience
• NZONE Skydiving - Experience the thrill and excitement of a parachute jump above Rotorua
• The Buried Village - New Zealand's 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption, Excavation, History and Gallery Museum
• Planet Bike - Mountain bike hire, tours and adventure combos in the scenic Whakarewarewa Forest.
• Helipro - Offering a selection of exciting and innovative scenic flight and charter options by helicopter in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty.
• Agrojet - New Zealand's Fastest jetboating experience! Experience G-Forces not unlike Formula ONE Race Cars!
  
• Volcanic Air Safaris - Scenic air tours by float plane or helicopter, providing the opportunity to overview the spectacular natural features of Rotorua
• The Landing - Lake Tarawera - Casual lakeside dining with Mt Tarawera as a backdrop, plus a base for boat cruises and many lake activities.
• Mountain Action - 4x4 quad bike tours and horse riding through breathtaking native bush along the slopes of Mt Ngongotaha.
• Realm of Tane - Taking you on an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation.
• Supa Travel Express - Door to door airport shuttle transfers Tauranga - Auckland - Hamilton - Rotorua. Charter/personalised tours. Sports clubs, weddings, corporate functions.
• Tamaki Maori Village - The cultural experience the world is talking about. Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions.
• Action New Zealand - All weather action attraction plus many team building activities.
• Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park - Located between Taupo & Rotorua. Often described as the most interesting and picturesque geothermal area in NZ.
• New Zealand Riverjet - New Zealand's premier, and ONLY thermal eco safari! Conveniently sited between Taupo & Rotorua.
• Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.
• Spring Loaded Fun Park - Excitement, action & laughter with adventure jet boating, U-Drive four wheel drives, Zespri kiwifruit and farm tours, and conference team building activities.
• Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts Institute - New Zealand's premier Maori culture and geothermal visitor experience
• Rotorua Duck Tours - A sightseeing adventure onboard a WWII amphibious vehicle able to travel on land and water!
• Rotorua Museum - discover the essence of Rotorua; its people, culture and volcanic landscape
• Kawarau Jet - An endless range of jetboating combo's and adventures

Central Plateau Accommodation Options:

• Tongariro River Rafting, Turangi - A Qualmark approved operator for white water rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking.
• Taupo Air Services - Stunning Flight Seeing Adventures around the beautiful volcanic landscape of the North Island.
• Blazing Paddles Canoe Hire 1-5 day canoe adventures along the scenic Whanganui River
• Tongariro Volcanic Adventures - a new transport service based at National Park transporting persons to and from the ski field at the Top of the Bruce road.
• Bridge to Nowhere Tours - For your total “adventure on the Whanganui River" let us show you the natural and cultural heritage of the Whanganui National Park.

New Plymouth Accommodation Options:

• Villa Heights Bed & Breakfast (*from NZ$110 B&B)
• Saddle & Sulky Motor Lodge (*from NZ$110)
• Flamingo Motel (*from NZ$98)
• Amber Court Motel (*from NZ$110)
• Brougham Heights Motel (*from NZ$130)
• Nice Hotel & Bistro (*from NZ$225)
• Quality Hotel Plymouth International (*from NZ$110)
• Auto Lodge Motor Inn (*from NZ$89)

East & South Taranaki (Mokau, Matapu, Hawera)

• Mokau Motels, Mokau (90km north of New Plymouth) - (*from NZ$80)
• Kingfisher Cottage, Matapu (*from NZ$200)
• Tairoa Lodge & Cottage, Hawera (*from NZ$140 B&B)

• Whangamomona Hotel, Forgotten World Highway, Stratford (*POA)
• Sarsen House at Te Popo Gardens, Stratford (*from NZ$135 B&B)

• Precision Helicopters Ltd, Taranaki, Blenheim & Gore - Offering an array of helicopter tours with the personal touch.
• Tawhiti Museum, Hawera - A truly unique heritage enterprise by Nigel Ogle who uses life size exhibits and scale models to capture the past in a series of super realistic displays.
• Govett Brewster Art Gallery - A leading contemporary art museum and home of the Len Lye collection and includes a cafe and design shop.
• Puke Ariki - Heritage, Knowledge and Information Centre - State of the art museum and library technologies which convey the spirit of Taranaki.
• Pukekura Park - A vast public park which houses a stunning Fernery offering an ever-changing display of indoor/outdoor plants from all over the world.
• New Plymouth Coastal Walkway - Stroll along this dramatic coastal walkway 7 km long from Lake Rotomanu to Port Taranaki
• Festival of Lights - From mid-Dec to early Feb every year thousands of lighting effects transform the gardens of Pukekura Park.
• Todd Energy Aquatic Centre - Great for the whole family - warm, safe and fun! Enjoy the wave pool, sauna, spa, fitness centre and other facilities all year round.

Wanganui Accommodation Options:

• Anndion Lodge, Wanganui (*from NZ$30-NZ$120)
• Bridge to Nowhere Lodge, Whanganui National Park (*POA)
• Siena Motor Lodge, Wanganui (*from NZ$125)
• Rothesay Bed & Breakfast, Hunterville (*from NZ$70)
• Arles Bed & Breakfast, Wanganui (*from NZ$100 B&B)
• Rutland Arms Inn & Restaurant, Wanganui (*from NZ$130)
• Wanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park, Wanganui (*from NZ$28 per person)
• The Grand Hotel & Function Centre, Wanganui (*from NZ$75 B&B)
• Tamara Backpackers Lodge, Wanganui (*from NZ$24 per person)
• Arlesford House, Wanganui (*from NZ$135 B&B)
• Holly Farmstay, Marton (*from NZ$150 double)

• Bridge to Nowhere Tours - For your total “adventure on the Whanganui River" let us show you the natural and cultural heritage of the Whanganui National Park.
• Whanganui Riverboat Centre - Enjoy the scenic Whanganui River on the historic Paddle Steamer Waimarie offering lunch, dinner & BBQ cruises.
  
• Blazing Paddles Canoe Adventures - Guided 1-5 day canoe trips on the Whanganui River

• Bodyhaven Boutique Spa, Wellington - Bodyhaven is a spa style boutique offering massage in various modalities, beauty and spa treatments and healing arts.
• Ezi-Rent Car Hire, NZ Wide locations - Quality rental cars in New Zealand for the budget-conscious traveller.

• Adelphi Lodge Backpackers (*from NZ$25pp)
• Norfolk Pine Waterfront Kaikoura Motel (*from NZ$95)
• Donegal House Bed & Breakfast Hotel (*from NZ$120 B&B)
• Awatea Country Bed & Breakfast (*from NZ$120 B&B
• Ardara Lodge Bed & Breakfast (*from NZ$120 B&B)
• Titoki Lodge Bed & Breakfast (*from NZ$140 B&B)
• Kaikoura Cottage Motels (*POA)
• Nikau Lodge (*from NZ$95 B&B)
• Bendamere House Bed & Breakfast (*from NZ$150 B&B)

• The Chalets Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$105)
• Clear Ridge Apartment Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$225)
• Bella Vista Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$105)
• Cheltenham House Bed & Breakfast, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$170 B&B)
• Fontainebleau Luxury Retreat, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$360 B&B)
• Alpine Lodge Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$100)
• Hanmer Resort Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$95)
• Riverview Lodge, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$150)

• Alpha Motel Luxury Apartments, Christchurch (*POA)
• Hambledon Historic Bed & Breakfast, Christchurch City (*from NZ$250 B&B)
• Milano Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$125)
• Christchurch Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$105)
• Croydon House B&B and Apartments (*from NZ$110 B&B)
• Best Western Clyde on Riccarton Motel, Christchurch (*From NZ$115)
• Avonhead Lodge Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$89)
• Charlie B's Backpackers, Christchurch (*from NZ$19pp)
• Adorian Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$85)
• de lago Motel Apartments, Christchurch (*from NZ$125)
• Country Glen Lodge, Christchurch City (*from NZ$105)
• Tower Junction Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$110)
• Akaroa Cottages, Akaroa (*POA)
• Chardonnay Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$110)
• Merivale Court Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$90)
• Colombo in the City Motel, Christchurch (*POA)
• Camelot Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$125)
• A Nest on Mount Pleasant Bed & Breakfast, Christchurch (*from NZ$80 B&B)
• A Nest on Mount Pleasant Holiday Home, Christchurch (*from NZ$120)
• YMCA Budget Hotel, Christchurch (*from NZ$25)
• Kowhai Farmstay, Oxford, 40 mins from Christchurch (*from NZ$75)
• Destination Akaroa - Akaroa information service
• Seascape-Escape Bed & Breakfast, Mt Pleasant, Christchurch (*POA)
• Glentanner Park, Mt Cook (*from NZ$13-NZ$110)
• Avon Grove Villa Bed & Breakfast, Christchurch (*from NZ$100 B&B)
• 298 Westside Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$99)
• Stonehurst Accommodation, Christchurch City (*POA)
• Denton Park Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$110)
• Addington City Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$95)
• Raceway Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$80)
• Base Christchurch Backpackers, Christchurch (*from NZ$26pp)
• CentrePoint on Colombo (*from NZ$105)
• City Oasis Lodge & Motel (*from NZ$20-NZ$95)
• Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park, Christchurch (*from NZ$45)
• Riccarton Village Inn Hotel, Christchurch (*from NZ$79)
• 306 on Riccarton Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$105)

• Euro Car Rental, Queenstown & Christchurch - Specialising in European and 4WD cars for hire with trusted brands such as Audi, BMW, VW, Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Mazda and Nissan.
• smartcars, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown - Leading specialty rental car company offering the latest motorcars from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mini and Porsche.
• West Coast Shuttle - Daily transport from Greymouth to Christchurch. Mountain bike tours & ski packages.
• KEA Campers, Christchurch & Auckland - New Zealand's award-winning campervan and motorhome rental company offering a modern rental fleet.
• HELiPRO, Christchurch - Unique and Unforgettable scenic flight options, combination packages and weekend getaways.
• Katoro Waka Heritage Journeys, Christchurch - Your gateway to the world of the South Island Maori - waka (canoe) journeys, natural wildlife, and friendly Maori cultural performances
• River Tours, Rakaia Gorge - Choose from anexciting range of Fishing and Jet Boat Tours on the pristine waters of the Rakaia Gorge
• Kowhai Farm Horse Riding Holidays, Oxford - Horse trekking tours and riding school, from half day to 3 months.
• Destination Akaroa - Information and bookings for Akaroa accommodation, rentals and activities.
• Tamaki Heritage Village, Christchurch - Experience New Zealand Maori culture and see history come to life!
• Airlink Rentals - Renowned for providing quality rental vehicles with handy New Zealand wide locations.
• nzski.com - New Zealand's Premiere Skiing & Snowboarding Areas - Coronet Peak, The Remarkables & Mt Hutt
• Pohatu Penguins, Banks Peninsula - See the large White Flippered Penguin colony unobtrusively by kayak and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Pohatu Marine Reserve.
• Canterbury Shuttles & Tours - Superior passenger transport service offering transfers, transport for private functions and personalised tours.
• KoTane, Christchurch - Maori Cultural Experience
• Jet Thrills, Christchurch - Jetboating on the mighty Waimakariri River
• Southern Link Coaches - Daily buses & coaches from Christchurch to Queenstown and Nelson
• Bill Rodgers Guided Fly Fishing, Timaru & Gore - Guided brown trout fishing in select parts of the Mataura River normally fished only by experts.
• Ezi-Rent Car Hire, New Zealand Wide Locations - Quality rental cars for the budget minded traveller.

• Aspen on King Motel, Timaru (*from NZ$115)
• Baywatch Motor Lodge, Timaru (*from NZ$110)
• Parklands Motor Lodge, Timaru (*from NZ$99)
• Kingsdown Manor, Timaru (*from NZ$180 B&B)
• Stonebridge - Venue/Restaurant/Accommodation, Geraldine (20mins from Timaru) - (*from NZ$200 B&B)

• Burnside Homestead - Historic Country Estate, Oamaru (from NZ$125-NZ$295)
• Limestone Retreat, Oamaru (*from NZ$ 90 B&B)
• GlenMac Farmstay, Kurow, Waitaki Valley, 60kms inland from Oamaru (*from NZ$10pp-NZ$80pp DBB)
• Visit Oamaru & Waitaki Valley - Local i-site accommodation & activity information

Dunedin Accommodation Options:

Things to see & do in Dunedin

Day 20 & 21 - Queenstown

• Prosperity Apartment, Queenstown (*from NZ$250)
• 33 Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$99)
• DECO Backpackers, Queenstown (*from NZ$27pp)
• Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park "Creeksyde" (*from NZ$45-NZ$165)
• Queenstown Motel Apartments, Queenstown (*POA)
• Skyview Magic Luxury Lodge Accmmodation, Queenstown (*from NZ$450)
• Central Ridge Boutique Hotel, Queenstown (*from NZ$175 B&B)
• Evergreen Lodge, Queenstown (*from NZ$745 B&B)
• Nomads Queenstown Backpackers, Queenstown (*from NZ$23)
• Chalet Queenstown & Historic Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast, Queenstown (*from NZ$200 B&B)
• Millbrook Resort, Queenstown (*from NZ$265)
• Coronet View Apartments and B&B, Queenstown (*from NZ$220)
• Amokura Lodge, Queenstown (from NZ$350B&B)
• Stoneridge Estate, Lake Hayes, Queenstown (*from NZ$535 B&B)
• Pinewood Accommodation, Queenstown (*from NZ$25pp)
• Pounamu Apartments, Queenstown (*POA)
• Queenstown Hill Vacations, Queenstown (*POA)
• The Ferry Bed & Breakfast, Queenstown (*from NZ$195 B&B)
• Arrowfield Apartments, Arrowtown (*from NZ$320)
• The Stable Bed & Breakfast, Queenstown (*from NZ$160 B&B)
• The Canyons Lodge, Queenstown (*from NZ$300)
• Mount Nicholas Lodge, between Queenstown & Glenorchy (*from NZ$1150 DBB = extras)
• Twin Peaks Bed & Breakfast, Queenstown (*from NZ$340 B&B)
• 1V Four Seasons Motel, Queenstown (*from NZ$145)
• Cranbury Court Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$160)
• Blue Peaks Lodge, Queenstown (*from NZ$110)
• Trelawn Riverside Boutique Lodging, Queenstown (*from NZ$200 B&B)
• The Glebe Luxury Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$192)
• Villa Del Lago Luxury Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$240)
• Base Discovery Lodge, Queenstown (*from NZ$26pp)
• Abba Garden Motel, Queenstown (*from NZ$120)
• Spinnaker Bay Resort, Queenstown (*from NZ$280)
• Coronet Peak Hotel, Queenstown (*from NZ$80)
• Alexis Motor Lodge & Apartments, Queenstown (*POA)
• Gateway Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$140)
• Nokomai Station, Lumsden, 1 hour from Queenstown (*from NZ$250)
• Five Rivers Retreat, Lumsden, 1 hour from Queenstown (*from NZ$220 B&B)

• Real Journeys, Queenstown, Fiordland & Stewart Island - Providing a range of quality excursions to stunning National Parks and other locations.
• Aspects Day Spa, Queenstown - Beauty salon offering soothing massages, beautifying facials, rejuvenating body wraps, providing for every aspect of your everyday essential beauty care.
• Euro Car Rental, Queenstown & Christchurch - Specialising in European and 4WD cars for hire with trusted brands such as Audi, BMW, VW, Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Mazda and Nissan.
• Ezi-Rent Car Hire, New Zealand Wide Locations - Quality rental cars for the budget minded traveller.
• smartcars, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown - Leading specialty rental car company offering the latest motorcars from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mini and Porsche.
• Glenorchy Air & Trilogy Trail, Queenstown - Scenic flights ex Queenstown & Glenorchy to most Fiordland locations. Also air and land based Lord of the Rings film location tours.
• Million Dollar Cruise, Queenstown - Planned excursions and exclusive charters on Lake Wakatipu
• Sunrise Balloon Adventures, Queenstown - Hot air balloon tours in the valleys between Queenstown and Arrowtown with magnificent views of the unique terrain.
• Harvey Maguire Fly Fishing Adventures, Queenstown - Join expert fisherman Harvey Maguire who specializes in dry fly fishing, lake drift dry-fly and stream stalking tours.
• South Island Trout Stalkers, Queenstown - Guided fly fishing tours from Queenstown or Glenorchy, with a number of tour options to suit everyone.
  
• Totally Tourism - Quality New Zealand sightseeing & adventure activities
• RD Tours, Queenstown - Discover Remote Alpine & High Country - small group guided tour specialists for Queenstown, Glenorchy, Catlins and Milford Sound.
• Stu Dever Fishing Charters, Queenstown - Fishing charters on Lake Wakatipu with an experienced guide with an uncanny ability to sense fish and create exciting fishing experiences
• Shotover Jet, Queesntown - The only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons, hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins!
• Dart River Jet Safaris, Queenstown - Choose from three exciting Dart River Jet Safaris, each utilising the classic Kiwi invention of the jet boat to take you to snow-capped mountains, ancient forests, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time.
• Break One Clay Target Sports, Queenstown - Let our experienced, professional shooters guide you in the popular sport of clay target shooting.
• Mad Dog River Boarding, Queenstown - River board your way down the infamous Kawarau Gorge rapids for an extreme adrenalin adventure.
  
• Heliworks Helicopters, Queenstown - Scenic flights in and around Queenstown and Fiordland including Milford Sound or even deeper into the Fiordland to Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound.
• JAG Air, Queenstown - Experience adrenaline fueled adventure, aerobatic, acrobatic flights in our Pitts Special Bi plane!
• Southern Wings Charters, Invercargill - Offering visitors to Southern New Zealand a range of "Discovery" scenic flights to the Catlins Coast, Fiordland and Stewart Island.
• Milford Sound BBQ Bus, Te Anau & Queenstown - Sit back and relax in our comfortable, modern coach and take in the experience of a personal tour of Milford Sound.
• Eco Tours, Queenstown - Come and join our Eco Experience to Milford Sound
• Cruize Milford, Milford Sound - Providing personal friendly service and uncrowded Milford Sound boat cruises.
• Topline Tours, Te Anau & Queenstown - Providing an all year round first class shuttle service for travellers, between Te Anau and Queenstown and return and tour charters throughout the South Island
  
• Fat Tyre Mountain Biking - Ride the best mountain biking New Zealand has on offer around Queenstown, guided single track, Cross Country and Free Ride mountain biking over some of the most scenic mountain biking trails.
• nzski.com - New Zealand's Premiere Skiing & Snowboarding Areas - Coronet Peak, The Remarkables & Mt Hutt
• Air Milford, Queenstown - Experience New Zealand flightseeing at its best with exclusive flight seeing tours of Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook and the Catlins
• NZONE Skydiving - "the ultimate jump'". Tandem skydiving adventures in Queenstown & Rotorua
• Cardrona Adventure Park - Several activities available for the whole family, a wide variety of Quad Bikes, Buggy and Monster Truck rides to suit all, from beginners to intermediate to the outright adrenalin junkie.