30 Day North & South Island Itinerary New Zealand Tours & Holiday Packages New Zealand Travel Reservations New Zealand Self Drive Tours

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HOW TO PLAN AND BOOK THIS NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

Within this detailed itinerary you will find lists of accommodation and activity operators in each New Zealand area.
Beside each of these operators names is either a nightly price indication or a brief description about their operation. For more information and to make a booking with each individual operator, simply click the operators name which is an active link to their web page. On their web page you can read more about their establishment and are able to make enquiries and bookings directly with them.
If you would like a customised quote for this itinerary CLICK HERE

30 Day New Zealand Discovery Tour
Auckland - Waikato Region - Bay of Plenty - Hawke's Bay (Napier/Hastings) - Wellington - Christchurch/Banks Peninsula - Dunedin - Catlins - Invercargill - Bluff - Stewart Island - Te Anau/Manapouri - Queenstown

Click map to enlarge

For a guided tour including this itinerary contact Long Island Tours.

For rental car options we recommend:

Click here for a range of NZ Rental Car companies

For a guided tour using this itinerary contact Canterbury Shuttles & Tours and Ecotours and Active Planet Ltd

Day 1 & 2 - Auckland/North Auckland

Accommodation Options:

Auckland Districts

Quest on Cintra Lane, Auckland City (*from NZ$75)
Portage Peninsula Hotel, Avondale (*POA)
Braemar on Parliament Street, Auckland CBD (*from NZ$205 B&B)
Breakfast on the Beach Luxury Waterfront Accommodation, Waiheke Island (*from NZ$400 B&B)
Kohimarama Retreat Executive Holiday Home, Kohimarama (*POA)
Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island (*from NZ$894 B&B + extras)
Abaco on Jervios Spa Accommodation, Ponsonby (*from NZ$120)
Ellerslie International Motor Inn, Ellerslie (*from NZ$120)
Airport Gateway Hotel, Auckland Airport (*from NZ$99)
Calico Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Kumeu, West Auckland (*from NZ$140 B&B)
Park Lane Motor Inn, Takapuna Beach, North Shore (*from NZ$145)
Parklane Motor Lodge, Greenlane, Central Auckland (*from NZ$115)
Owhanake Bay Estate, Waiheke Island (*from NZ$295 B&B)
Umoya Lodge, Miranda, South of Auckland (*from NZ$550 B&B)
Base Auckland Backpackers, Auckland City (*from NZ$25pp)
Elliott Street Apartments Hotel, Auckland City (*from NZ$149)
Scholar Apartments, Auckland City (*from NZ$65. Long stay rates available)
Kiwi International Hotel Group, Auckland City & Auckland Airport (*from NZ$49-NZ$150)
Takapuna Motor Lodge, Takapuna, North Shore (*from *NZ$125)
Emerald Inn, Takapuna Beach, North Shore (*from NZ$165)
Devonwood Cottage, Waimuku, West Auckland (*from NZ$160)
The Boat Shed Boutique Seaside Hotel , Waiheke Island (*from NZ$520 B&B & on-island transfers)
Quest Newmarket, Central Auckland (*from NZ$135)
Quest on Mount, Auckland City (*from NZ$135)
Quest on Eden, Auckland City (*from NZ$125)
Base ACB (Auckland Central Backpackers), Auckland City (*from NZ$23)
City Central Hotel, Auckland City (*from NZ$89)
Lincoln Green Motor Hotel, Henderson, West Auckland (*from NZ$105)
Spencer on Byron Hotel, Takapuna Beach, North Shore (*from NZ$197).

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

Ngapeka House, Pakiri Beach, North Auckland (*POA)
Takatu Boutique Luxury Lodge & Vineyard, Matakana (*from NZ$540 B&B)
Wilson House Bed & Breakfast, Warkworth (*from NZ$110 B&B)
Snells Beach Motel, Snells Beach, Warkworth (*from NZ$90)
Gifford Lodge, Matakana (*from NZ$290 B&B)
Matakana House Motel, Matakana (*from NZ$100)
Walton Park Motor Lodge, Warkworth (*from NZ$105)
Orewa Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$15pp to NZ$65pp)
Mineral Park Motel, Parakai, North Auckland (*from NZ$110)
The Ambers Bed & Breakfast, Silverdale, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$120 B&B)
Hibiscus Palms Motel, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$78)
The Nautilus Luxury Apartments, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$130)
Leigh Fishing Lodge, Leigh, Matakana Coast (*from NZ$35pp/pn)
Waimana Point Luxury Accommodation, Warkworth, North Auckland (*from NZ$450)
The Shanty Self-Catering Beachfront Apartment, Warkworth, North Auckland (*from NZ$295)
Panorama View Bed & Breakfast and Self-Contained Apartment, Tindalls Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula (*POA)
Castle Court Motel, Wellsford, North Auckland (*from NZ$80)
The Salty Dog Inn Luxury Accommodation, Snells Beach, Warkworth (*from NZ$105)

Auckland Activity Options:

Auckland

Coast to Coast Tours - Experience the culture and nature of West Auckland, visit wineries, Muriwai Beach gannets, taste NZ honey plus more.
Auckland's Dolphin & Whale Safari - The only Auckland operator permitted to show dolphin's & whales in their natural environment.
Gulfwind Sailing Academy & Charters - Personalised, practical and hands-on sailing charters and certified courses in the waters surrounding Auckland, "City of Sails".
Supa Travel Express - Door to door airport shuttle transfers Tauranga - Auckland - Hamilton - Rotorua. Charter/personalised tours. Sports clubs, weddings, corporate functions.
Tamaki Hikoi - Maori Guided Walk of Auckland - Guides from the Ngati Whatua tribe re-tell ancient and sacred stories on the Tamaki Hikoi - a walking tour through Auckland.
Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.
Tall Ship Soren Larsen - Adventure sail training cruises in the tropical islands of the South Pacific and New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Islands.
Skydive Auckland - Situated 40 minutes south of Auckland, enabling both first time and experienced skydivers to enjoy the 'ultimate high' in a safe, yet fun-filled environment.
Sail NZ - Operating in Auckland and the Bay of Islands offering unique sailing adventures, including the America's Cup Sailing Experience.

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

Matakana Country Park, Matakana - Surrounded by lush valleys in one of the most beautiful areas of the North Island, the Park hosts a wide range of activities for adults and families.
Warkworth Taxi & Mini Bus Charters, Warkworth - Customised tours and charters for individuals and groups. Airport shuttle between Auckland Airport & Warkworth.
SheepWorld Farm & Nature Park, Warkworth - Experience natural New Zealand at this beautiful farm and nature park. Informative & fun - whatever your age, whatever the weather.
Reubens Water Taxis & Excursions, Warkworth - Sandspit to Kawau Island servicing all jetties, Bays and close Islands. Approximately a 15 minute trip from Sandspit. Kawau Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, picnics, diving and fishing excursions.
Goat Island Dive, Leigh, Matakana Coast - Explore New Zealand's famous coastal aquarium Goat Island. Goat Island Dive offer a variety of scuba diving, snorkelling and/or kayaking options in a safe and protected environment
Glass Bottom Boat, Leigh, Matakana Coast - Regular trips at the world renowned Goat Island Marine Reserve, Leigh, 90km's north of Auckland.
Leigh Fishing Lodge & Charters, Leigh, Matakana Coast - Fishing & diving charters available, as well as luxury chalet accommodation in the beautiful town of Leigh.
Slipray Fishing Charters, Ti Point, Leigh, Matakana Coast - 50ft power catamaran specifically designed for line fishing & diving charters, available for overnight and day trips.
Pakiri Beach Horse Rides, Pakiri Beach (near Wellsford), North Auckland - Horse trekking along breathtaking Pakiri Beach with guides with a local history who will share tales of their ancestors.

Day 3 & 4 - Waikato Region

Accommodation Options:

Waikato Activity options:

Castle Rock Adventure Lodge, Te Awamutu - The perfect stopover between Rotorua & Waitomo Caves. An adventure lodge for groups, families and individuals offering accommodation and adventure activities in a unique rural environment.
Woodlyn Park, Otorohanga A Unique Stage Show, An Adrenalin Rush and Accommodation all in one fabulous place.
Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.
Kiwi Balloon Company - Scenic hot air balloon flights over the Waikato region.
Supa Travel Express - Door to door airport shuttle transfers Tauranga - Auckland - Hamilton - Rotorua. Charter/personalised tours. Sports clubs, weddings, corporate functions.
Adventure Waikato -For adventure and leisure activitites, accommodation and conferencing. Perfect for corporate team building, family groups
Early Museum of New Zealand & Honey Shop - Wander through the museum at leisure and enjoy the unique surroundings of a hobby that has developed into a huge collection of memorabilia. Also on the site is a Honey Shop, and a Picnic & BBQ area.
Weird & Wonderful Antiques - Browse through a vast collection of fine antiques, including Royal Doulton and other fine quality China.

Day 5 & 6 - Tauranga/Mt Maunganui

Tauranga/Mt Maunganui Accommodation

Durham Motor Inn, Tauranga (*from NZ$120)
Summit Motor Lodge, Tauranga (*from NZ$110)
Mount Mews Motel, Mt Maunganui (*POA)
Ridge Coutry Retreat, Tauranga (*from NZ$580)
Anchorage Apartments, Mt Maunganui (*from NZ$140)

Whale Island Tours, Swim with the Dolphins, Whakatane - Dolphin & whale watch tours and swim with the dolphins - 100% locally owned and operated with 20 years of local marine knowledge and experience

Day 8 & 9 - Whakatane/Ohope Beach

Whakatane/Ohope Beach Accommodation

Beachpoint Resort, Ohope Beach (*from NZ$140)
White Island Rendezvous, Whakatane (*from NZ$110)

Whakatane Activities

Longridge Fun Park - Excitement, action & laughter with adventure jet boating, U-Drive four wheel drives, Zespri kiwifruit and farm tours, and conference team building activities.
Baker Marine Charters Bay of Plenty Game Fishing, Bottom fishing, SCUBA Diving, Snorkelling or just having fun.
Whales & Dolphin Watch Come and swim with the Dolphins in the clear blue subtropical waters in the Bay of Plenty
Dive White Island Dive New Zealand's only active marine volcano, White Island one of the worlds best scuba diving destinations!
White Island Tours An in-depth guided tour of White Island. One of the world’s most interesting, and New Zealand's most active volcano.
Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane, Taupo and Rotorua. Tours also available.

Day 10 & 11 - Lake Taupo

Hazeldene Lodge (*from NZ$195 B&B)

Wharewaka Lodge (*from NZ350 B&B)

Rock' n Ropes - Choose from a selection of unbelieveably high rope course activites and adventure packages suitable for all ages and abilities.

Taupo Horse Treks - Leisurely guided horse treks through the tranquil Wairakei Forest, with views over the Craters of the Moon and the Waikato River. Suitable for all ages.

Taupo Air Services - Stunning Flight Seeing Adventures around the beautiful volcanic landscape of the North Island.

Kiwi River Safaris - Dedicated to showing you an excellent day on the river, offering whitewater rafting, scenic rafting and kayaking trips.

Wairakei Terraces - Maori Cultural Experience. Enjoy a leisurely one hour guided or self governed tour of the Wairakei Terraces Walkway and an evening of Maori Culture.

Volcanic Activity Centre - Experience the power of the planet - an educational centre dedicated to the Taupo Volcanic Zone with fun activities for all ages.

Rapids Jet - Jet boat the rapids. Experience the thrill of jetboating the biggest rapids for commercial Jet Boating in New Zealand

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools and the Pukeko in a Ponga Tree BYO Cafe - Bathing and Dining with a difference.

Skydive Taupo - Skydive thousands of feet above Taupo’s volcanic crater in New Zealand. FREE limousine transfers available.

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.

Limo 2 U Limousine Services - Stretched Limousines, Sedans and Luxury mini Coaches specialising around the Taupo/Bay of Plenty area for tours & charters.

Chris Jolly Outdoors - For a complete range of fishing and outdoor activites

Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.

Hawkes Bay Activities
Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at one of the many vineyards in this area, and choose from the following activity options:

One Cast Fly Fishing Adventures, Hawke's Bay - Join Marlene Skeet for an authentic Maori Heritage Tour where clients enjoy a cultural experience on the Hawkes Bay rivers she knows so well.
Hawkes Bay Opera House, Hastings - An amazing venue in the heart of Hawkes Bay, perfect for weddings, conferences, events and theatre.
Long Island Tours - Guided tours with authentic Hawkes Bay characters, come explore Maori culture, rivers, bush, farms and the arts.
Mountain Valley Adventure Lodge, Napier - A rural retreat offering a wide range of accommodation and activites on the Mohaka River.
Dave Hern Fishing & Hunting Guiding Service, Waipukurau - A professional company offering a comprehensive service for the Novice Angler or Hunter to the World traveled experienced client.
Gannet Safaris, Hastings - Cape Kidnappers safari experience takes you to Hawke's Bay Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony - the world's largest, most accessible Gannet nesting place.
Splash Planet, Hastings - The home to thrilling slides and rides as well as activities for the young and old alike who just want something a little quieter. There is something for the whole family.

Day 15 & 16 - Marlborough (Picton/Blenheim) - Just 10 minutes drive between Picton & Blenheim
Catch the interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton

Picton/Blenheim Accommodation Options

Jasmine Court Travellers Inn, Picton (*from NZ$135)
Mount Richmond Resort, Rai Valley, between Nelson & Picton (*fron NZ$24-99)
Old St Mary's Convent Accommodation, Blenheim (*from NZ$550 B&B)
Waterfront Motels, Blenheim (*from NZ$110)
Colonial Motel, Blenheim (*from NZ$95)
Sundowner Motel, Blenheim (*from NZ$98)
Vintners Retreat, Blenheim (*from NZ$120 off-peak)
Middlepark Motel, Blenheim (*from NZ$98)
Picton Top 10 Holiday Park, Picton (*from NZ$48)
Perano Luxury Apartments, Picton (*from NZ$180)

Compass Charters - Self-drive and skippered sailboats or powerboats available for hire in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

Endeavour Express - Fast & friendly boat service calling regularly at: Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove and Endeavour Resort. Also at holiday cottages and homes and in the Outer Sound.

Picton Launch Charters - Join us on the 42 foot MV Waiwiri for fishing and day trips through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, taking in the Queen Charlotte Sounds and the Tory Channel.

Day 17 - Kaikoura

Kaikoura Accommodation options:

Lyell Creek Lodge (*from NZ$40)
Panorama Motel (*from NZ$110)
Colonial Court Motel (*from NZ$85)

Kaikoura Activity option:

Kaikoura Fishing Charters, Kaikoura - Enjoy excellent deep sea fishing with a safe, experienced team.
Wings Over Whales, Kaikoura - Kaikoura Whale watch by air

Christchurch/Banks Peninsula Activity options:

West Coast Shuttle - Daily transport from Greymouth to Christchurch. Mountain bike tours & ski packages.
Adventure Tours, Christchurch & Canterbury - Christchurch Day tours, half day tours, Maori Cultural Performance & lots more.
Antigua Boatsheds Boat Hire, Christchurch - Canoe, Paddleboat and Rowboat hire, on site cafe - available for parties, groups and special occassions.
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.

Day 20 - Dunedin

Dunedin Accommodation Options:

High Street Luxury Apartments, Dunedin (*POA)
Hyland House, Dunedin (*from NZ$140)
Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel, Dunedin (*from NZ$189)
Every Street Lodge, Dunedin (*POA)
Forrester Lodge Accommodation & Conference Centre, Dunedin (*from NZ$75)
Deacon Court Bed & Breakfast (*from NZ$100 B&B)
Galleries Apartments, Dunedin (*POA)
The Law Courts Hotel, Dunedin (*from NZ$55)
526 George Street Boutique Hotel, Dunedin (*from NZ$110 B&B)
Woodlands Village Motels & Apartments, Dunedin (*fromNZ$95)
Leviathan Heritage Hotel & Dunedin Backpackers, Dunedin (*POA)

Things to see & do in Dunedin

Getaway Car Hire, Dunedin - a family owned customer focused car rental business based in the Dunedin
Elm Wildlife Tours, Dunedin - Award winning Nature and Wildlife experiences of Otago Peninsula and the southeastern Coast.
Monarch Wildlife Cruises, Dunedin - Providing voyages of discovery amongst a unique diversity and abundance of wildlife, dramatic views and significant geological and historical features
Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin - Dunedin's prestige tourist train operating from the historic Railway Station.
Helicopters Otago, Dunedin - Breathtaking scenic flights over the city and Dunedin's spectacular harbour and the highlights of the peninsular.
NZ Marine Studies & Aquarium, Dunedin - Tour the Aquarium and discover the secrets of New Zealand's southern ocean without getting wet!
Sams Peninsula Off Road Tours, Dunedin - A 2½ hours personalised wildlife tour, off road, to view seals, New Zealand sea lions, Yellow Eyed penguins, and other bird life.

Day 21 & 22 - Catlins

Catlins Accommodation

Thomas's Catlins Lodge & Holiday Park (*from NZ$24-$145)
Catlins Farmstay Bed & Breakfast, Catlins (*from NZ$180-NZ$250 B&B)
Surat Bay Lodge & Holiday Park, Owaka, Catlins (*from NZ$23pp)
Waikava Harbour View Lodge, Waikawa, South Catlins (*from NZ$140)
Fortrose Retreat, Fortrose, Catlins (*from NZ$175 B&B)
Eco Cottages at Mohua Park, Tawanui, Catlins (*from NZ$135)

(see Southland activities below for things to do in this area)

Day 23 - Invercargill

Invercargill Accommodation

Waiau Hotel, Tuatapere, 88 km from Invercargill (*from NZ$35 B&B)
Long Acres Farmstay, Invercargill (*from NZ$100 B&B)
Tayesta Motel, Invercargill (*from NZ$98)
Monarch Motel, Invercargill (*from NZ$88)
Hacienda Motel, Invercargill (*POA)
Braemar Farmstay, Invercargill (*from NZ$65)
Tudor Park Country Stay & Garden, Invercargill (*from NZ$130 B&B)
Bella Vista Motel, Invercargill (*from NZ$106)
388 Tay Motel, Invercargill (*from NZ$110)
Colonial Motel, Invercargill (*from NZ$95)
Coachmans Inn, Invercargill (*from NZ$40-NZ$85)
Aachen Motel, Invercargill (*from NZ$99)
Tower Lodge Motel, Invercargill (*from NZ$100)
The Manor Bed & Breakfast, Invercargill (*from NZ$110 B&B)
Colonial Motor Inn, Invercargill (*from NZ$92)
Queens Park Motels, Invercargill (*from NZ$105)
Glenroy Park Homestay, Invercargill (*from NZ$100 B&B)
Burtonwood Bed & Breakfast, Invercargill (*from NZ$125 B&B)
Nokomai Station, Lumsden, 1 hour from Invercargill (*from NZ$250)
Five Rivers Retreat, Lumsden, 1 hour from Invercargill (*from NZ$220 B&B)

Southland Activity options

Real Journeys, Queenstown, Fiordland & Stewart Island - Providing a range of quality tourism excursions offering authentic experiences among some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand.
Bill Rodgers Guided Fly Fishing, Gore - Guided brown trout fishing in select parts of the Mataura River normally fished only by experts.
Flyfish The South, Gore - Personally guided fly fishing trips in the Mataura, Waikaia, Oreti and Pomahaka rivers.
Southern Wings Charters, Invercargill - Offering visitors to Southern New Zealand a range of "Discovery" scenic flights to the Catlins Coast, Fiordland and Stewart Island.