HI THERE, I LIVE IN THE NORTH ISLAND, NOT TOO FAR FROM AUCKLAND.
THE DRIVE TO FROM NP TO AUCKLAND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 4 HOURS. THE ROADS ARE EASY TO DRIVE,(JUST REMEMBER TO DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE).THE SCENARY IS AMAZING. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE A CAMERA!!
THERE IS HEAPS TO DO IN AUCKLAND FOR THE KIDS. THERE IS A THEME PARK CALLED RAINBOWS END.
ALTHOUGH PM IS A BIT BORING WITH NOT ALOT TO DO IM SURE YOU WILL ENJOY N.Z.
ITS VERY BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN

Hey there.
I believe you & your family would enjoy New Plymouth.
It is a wonderful place for children with plenty of activites and a good selection of public primary schools. My daughter attended Central School which I found to be an excellent institution and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
We have a beautiful park which is always free to enter, the mountain only a short drive from N.P, swimming and surf beaches, a shiny new museum and excellent library with numerous school holiday programmes. There is an excellent summer programme for children, from toddlers to teenagers, that is filled with outdoor & indoor activities that are mostly free or a smaill contribution. One of my favourite selling points would be all the free things there are to do here, especially for children.
It is definately fesible to visit Auckland or Wellington for a weekend, the drive to both being around 4-6 hours depending on conditions. The roads are an easy drive and very scenic.
I know I sound like some kind of travel brochure but I honestly can’t think of any drawbacks to being here. I hope this helps with your decision and if you would like any further information, don’t hesitate to ask!