Whitianga is just 2 1/2 hours from Auckland, via Thames and Tairua:

From the airport head south to the southern motorway and Hamilton. Travelling south on the Auckland Motorway, turn left onto SH 2, (signposted to Tauranga and Thames). After approximately 25 kilometres take SH 25 on the left to Thames/Coromandel. Follow signs to Thames. Just after crossing on a long, traffic light controlled one way bridge, you reach Kopu. At the T-junction turn right following the sign to Tairua, then left on SH 25A. Stay on SH 25. After approx. 1h 15 min drive you will arrive in Whitianga. From here follow the signs to the town centre: Turn right on the first roundabout, then keep going straight ahead until you reach the marina. We are in Victoria Street opposit the Marina