Mount Eden address to Napier private car — Tevita's family visit

The sun was just starting to burn off the morning mist over Mount Eden when I pulled up to the address. It’s always a bit of mystery, these private residence pickups, especially in the leafy parts of Auckland where the houses can be quite grand and set back from the road. This one was no different. I’d been booked for a trip out to Napier, a fair old trek, and my passenger was David L. He emerged from the house as I was checking the signage, a man with a broad smile and a friendly wave. He had that easygoing manner that often comes with islanders. He mentioned he was Tongan, born and bred there, and had been living in Auckland for a few years now, though he still felt that strong pull to home, hence the trip to Hawke's Bay to see family.

The drive out of Auckland, as always, was its own little adventure. We joined the Southern Motorway, heading south, and the city traffic gradually thinned out. David seemed content to gaze out the window, taking in the changing scenery. We passed through the familiar stretch of Drury, then onto the main highway towards the Bombay Hills. It’s a bit of a climb, the Bombay Hills, and I always enjoy the slight change in atmosphere as you crest the top and start descending towards the Waikato. The landscape opens up here, flatter and more spread out, with farms and fields stretching out on either side.

Our first major stop was Pokeno. It’s a popular spot for a break, especially with the famous ice cream shop there. David didn’t ask for anything, but I made a mental note. He seemed more interested in the journey itself, the passing towns and the rhythm of the road. We continued on, through Huntly, a place that’s seen its share of change over the years, and then Ngaruawahia. The Waikato River often runs close by on this stretch, a wide, brown ribbon of water.

As we pushed further south, the landscape began to change again. The rolling green hills of the Waikato gave way to something a little drier, a bit more sparse. We passed through smaller settlements, places like Ohinewai and Rangiriri, steeped in a bit of history. David pointed out a particular area, explaining that his aunt lived around there, a place he hadn't visited in a long time. He spoke of his family back in Tonga, the close-knit nature of their community, and how important these visits were. He was looking forward to catching up, sharing stories, and perhaps enjoying some of the local food the region was known for.

We bypassed Hamilton, sticking to the main route, and skirted around Cambridge. The road started to feel more open, the distances between towns longer. Then came Tirau, the quirky corrugated iron town. It’s always a bit of a surprise the first time you see it, but David seemed to recognise it, nodding as we passed. He mentioned he’d stopped there before on previous trips.

The real shift in scenery started as we approached Taupō. The vast expanse of the lake, the distant mountains – it’s always a sight. We took a quick break there, stretching our legs and grabbing a coffee. From Taupō, the road turns east, heading towards the Hawke's Bay. The landscape became noticeably drier, the hills more golden, and the air felt different here, a characteristic of the region. David said he always noticed the change in the air as they got closer to Napier and Hastings.

As we neared Napier, the city lights began to appear in the distance. It was a long drive, nearly six hours of solid travel, but filled with pleasant conversation and observation. David expressed his gratitude, not just for the ride, but for the smooth journey, allowing him to relax and prepare for his visit. He mentioned he’d be staying for a couple of weeks, catching up with his cousins and an uncle. He spoke about how much he missed the food, particularly the seafood and the fresh produce that thrived in the Hawke's Bay sun. He even mentioned a particular dish his aunt made, a family recipe passed down through generations. It sounded delicious, a taste of home for him.

I dropped him off at his family’s address in Napier, the same kind of suburban home I’d picked him up from in Auckland. He thanked me again, his smile as warm as when he first got in the cab. Watching him stride up the driveway, his suitcase in hand, ready to be embraced by his loved ones, I felt that familiar sense of satisfaction that comes with this job. It’s more than just driving from A to B; it’s about connecting people, facilitating these important reunions, and being a small part of their journey, be it across town or across the North Island. Another day, another destination, another story shared on the road.