Finished bookings and posting the itinerary like I said I would

July 21
Arrive in Auckland. I will pick up at the airport and come to Hamilton
Go to Hamilton Gardens
Stay at the Lakepoint Motel

July 22
Drive to National Park and stay at the Grand Chateau near Whakapapa Ski Fields.
Stay at the Grand Chateau (luxury!)

July 23 - Friday
Drive Taupo and check it out. Hot pools along the Waikato? Drive back to Hamilton.
Stay at Lakepoint Motel

July 24 - Saturday
Being careful with the tides we can play golf at Matarangi Golf Club (only 9 holes, but best 9 holes in NZ) and get to Hot Water Beach about 4pm or later. Maybe Cathedral Cove if we are keen. Low tide = 6:02pm
Stay at Shearwater Motel in Whitianga

July 25 - Sunday
Drive through Waihi to Tauranga, go to the Mount? I will catch a bus back to Hamilton. Go on to Rotorua
Stay at Eaton Hall (Bed & Breakfast)

July 26
Maori stuff, Wai-O-Tapu thermal reserves, or sit in hot pools about 20 mins from Roto then drive 1-1.5 hrs back to Hamilton and get ready for the South Island.
Stay at Lakepoint Motel

July 27
Fly down to Wellington in the morning and have the day there. Go to the Rose Gardens, check out Te Papa (excellent free museum), or take a tour of the Beehive (the Parliament building).
Stay at Booklovers Bed & Breakfast, owned by Jane Tolerton (award-winning NZ author)

July 28
Take a ferry to Picton (mid-morning) then watertaxi out to Furneaux Lodge.
Furneaux has tennis courts and stuff.
What I picture as a perfect little retreat resort.

July 29
Return to Picton on the Watertaxi and pick up car and drive off to Nelson (Florida of NZ, old people and sun)
Stay at Alan's Place in Nelson (quaint hostel)

July 30 - Friday
Cruise and Walk – Cruise out to Torrent bay then 2 hr walk from Torrent Bay to Bark Bay in Abel Tasman.
Stay at Alan's Place in Nelson

July 31 - Saturday
I will arrive in Nelson at about 9:15 am
Drive to Christchurch through Lewis Pass... stop at the hot springs in Lewis Pass (4-5 hrs)
Stay at Camelot Square Hotel with view of Cathedral Sq.

August 1 - Sunday
Do Christchurch, gondola, square, etc...
Stay at Camelot Square Hotel with view of Cathedral Sq.

August 2
Drive to Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Stay at Aoraki Lodge in Twizel (near Mt. Cook)

August 3
Drive to Queenstown, do the gondola, whatever else...
Stay at Thomas' Lodge right on Lake Wakatipu, lake view room!
Surprise for Dad's birthday

August 4
Cruise-Fly-Cruise in the Milford Sound!
Stay at Thomas' Lodge right on Lake Wakatipu, lake view room!

August 5
Drive to the West Coast and the glaciers via Wanaka through Haast Pass (5 hrs minimum). There will be lots of stopping for pictures.

August 6 - Friday
heli-hike on Fox Glacier
Stay at Mountain View Holiday Park

August 7 - Saturday
sunrise on Lake Matheson then drive to Christchurch through Arthur's Pass. The drive is lovely. I don't think you will be disappointed that you didn't take the train.
Stay at Camelot Square Hotel with view of Cathedral Sq.

August 8 - Sunday
Fly back up to the North Island.
Stay at Auckland City Hotel (close to city center)

August 9
I have to be at work again, but maybe I will stay in Auckland on Sunday night and head back early Monday morning. Go out to Waiheke Island, maybe sailing if the weather is good. There is plenty to see in Auckland.
Stay at Auckland City Hotel (close to city center)

August 10
Another day in Auckland, then fly out in the evening.