[Nicola]

Me again with another silly question.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the best way to drive down to Havelock North Hastings from Auckland. Is there anywhere we should stop on the way for lunch etc and more importantly with a car load of kids how long will it take to make the journey.

Nicola

[SteveR]

it will take about 6 hours from Auckland to Hastings/Havelock North
Auckland to Hamilton to Cambridge to Rotorua to Taupo to Napier to Hastings to Havelock North.

Rotorua is about half way if you take this route there are other ways but this would be my prefered route with plenty of places to stop off.

If you have Kids :wah :wah and not in a rush :cheers then i would sugest you take an overnight stay and have a lesurly (sp) journey

[ruthyroo]

Agree with Steve on the route. I wouldn't recommend the coastal route via Tauranga - a very tiring drive and far longer than it looks on the map. The only change I would suggest is to use SH27 to bypass Hamilton, and come via Tirau - it's a bit more direct.

Either Rotorua or Taupo would be good stopovers. Taupo has a number of good cafes overlooking the lake edge, which are nice for food and the kids can burn off some excess energy at the lake edge reserve

Would also agree that if you can split it over two days, it would be much better. I used to drive a lot back in Scotland, but I find driving long distances in NZ quite tiring in comparison - noisy roads, hassling drivers tailgating you, higher speeds and generally harder work. IMHO 6 hours on NZ roads is more tiring than 6 hours on UK roads.

Enjoy Havelock, it's a lovely place - very twee!

[blue]

Hi Nicola
Sorry I cant offer you any advice on your route but just wanted to say have a great journey. I will also be heading to Hawkes Bay as I have a job offer in Hastings. Its good to know of other people going out to the same area. When are you going? Perhaps we will meet up some time once I sold the house!