Hi,

It is about 3.5 hours drive from Auckland to Paihia the centre of the Bay of Islands. There are plenty of places to stop on the way. You can easily do this in the day. There are plenty of activities around the Bay of Islands for a family. Have a look on our website www.bayofislandsinformation.co.nz and go into "what shall we do if". There are some really good ideas in here.

Regards Sue

Hi paridoc, with kids you'll want to plan your driving breaks.

Once you are out of the city, you'll find Warkworth a nice place to stop and find toilets, information and somewhere to have a snack.

There are a number of small towns to have a break, but Wellsford is another place you can stop and find toilets without have to turn off the main road. There are modest road tolls, but you can pay them later on the internet (don't forget!!).

Once you approach Whangarei - there is an i-Site (tourist information centre) with information, toilets and a cafe just before you reach the town centre, and about an hour or so before you reach the Bay of Islands. It's a nice drive, so allow time for stops.

Cheers;

Rocky

thanks everyone !

really appreciate .