Cordis Auckland to Tauranga private car — Chloë's business trip

The polished lobby of the Cordis in Auckland always feels a little hushed, even when busy. It was a Monday morning in early November, the spring air still carrying a hint of cool but with that unmistakable promise of summer warmth just around the corner. My customer was Chloë D, originally from Vancouver but living in Canada for the last decade. She had a discreet designer suitcase and a laptop bag slung over one shoulder, her expression one of quiet concentration, the kind you see in people about to dive into a high-stakes meeting.

She was heading to Tauranga, a solid three-hour drive south-east from Auckland, and her purpose was business. She mentioned it was a significant networking event, the kind where first impressions really counted. As I swung the door open and loaded her luggage into the boot, I noticed the faint scent of expensive perfume, not overpowering, but a subtle reminder of the world she inhabited before stepping into my car.

The drive out of Auckland was its usual Monday morning affair – a slow start through the city centre, picking up pace past the southern motorways, the traffic gradually thinning as we left the urban sprawl behind. We passed through the familiar towns of Pokeno, then Paeroa, the landscape beginning to open up. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, punctuated by clusters of pine trees. Chloë was content to watch out the window, occasionally tapping on her phone, no doubt finalising notes or reviewing presentations. She wasn’t the chatty type, which suited me fine if that’s how people preferred their journey; I’ve always believed the best service is unobtrusive, anticipating needs without being intrusive.

We continued along State Highway 2, passing through the Karangahake Gorge, its winding road and lush bush a familiar sight before reaching Waihi. The scenery remained distinctly rural, the occasional sign for a local farm or a quaint B&B breaking the monotony. I found myself reflecting on the nature of business travel. So much of it these days seems to be about digital connection, yet there’s still a tangible element to being present, to meeting people face-to-face, shaking hands. Chloë embodied that. She’d flown halfway across the world, not for a Zoom call, but for a physical presence in a room, a chance to build relationships in person.

Around lunchtime, we stopped at a small café just outside of Katikati. It was a pleasant spot, with a view over a kiwifruit orchard just starting to show the vibrant green of its crop. I ordered my usual coffee and a quick bite, while Chloë chose a light salad. She mentioned that her company specialised in sustainable tech solutions, and she was hoping to connect with potential partners in the Bay of Plenty region. She spoke about the challenges and rewards of building a business in a field that demands constant innovation, and I listened, piecing together the jigsaw of her professional life. It was fascinating, hearing about the intricate world of global business from someone who navigated it with such apparent ease.

The final stretch into Tauranga was smooth. The air grew warmer as we approached the coast, the distinctive smell of the ocean becoming noticeable. Chloë checked her watch, a slight tension returning to her shoulders, the calm reflection of the drive now replaced by a focus on the immediate task ahead. I pulled up to her hotel in the city centre, a modern building overlooking the harbour. As I unloaded her luggage, she gave me a polite, appreciative nod. She had a business to attend to, and I had a booking for a return trip to Auckland later that afternoon. The cycle of the day continued, but I carried with me a small insight, a glimpse into the drive and ambition that propels people across continents, all seeking connections, both personal and professional, in a country that often offers just the right blend of opportunity and landscape.