The Hotel Britomart to Kerikeri private car — Fiona's holiday

The usual morning buzz of Auckland was just starting to stir when I pulled up to The Hotel Britomart. The doorman was already there, a friendly nod as I parked. My passenger for the day was Fiona M, coming all the way from Scotland. She was here on holiday, looking to explore the far north, and Kerikeri was her destination. I knew it would be a long day, but that's what I love about this job – seeing the country and sharing it.

Fiona emerged, suitcase in hand, and a bright smile. She’d mentioned earlier, when booking, that she was keen to see some of the more rugged parts of the Northland coast, and Kerikeri was a good starting point for that. As we headed north out of the city, the urban sprawl slowly gave way to rolling green hills. The traffic eased as we passed through Warkworth and then Wellsford. She seemed to be soaking it all in, gazing out the window, a look of quiet appreciation on her face.

I pointed out some of the native flora as we drove, telling her a bit about the Kauri trees and the history of the area. She shared that she found New Zealand incredibly beautiful, a stark contrast to the landscape she was used to back home. She particularly liked the vibrant green of the pastures, something she said was quite unique. We talked about the different types of sheep farming and dairy farms we passed, the sheer scale of it all.

As we travelled further north, the landscape began to change again. The road started to curve and wind more, with denser bush flanking either side. The air felt fresher, cleaner. We passed through small towns, barely more than a cluster of houses and a general store. She mentioned that the pace of life seemed so much slower here than in Auckland or back in Scotland, and that was something she really appreciated about her trip.

We stopped for a quick break at a small lookout point overlooking a valley. The silence was profound, broken only by birdsong. She took a few photos, capturing the vastness of the landscape. She told me she’d always dreamed of visiting New Zealand, and it was living up to all her expectations. She’d spent a few days in Auckland, but wanted to get out and see the ‘real’ New Zealand, as she put it. Northland, with its subtropical feel and dramatic coastline, was certainly delivering on that.

As we neared Kerikeri, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds came into view on our left. I made sure to mention its significance to the country’s history. She had heard of it, of course, being interested in the culture of the places she visits. She said she planned to visit the grounds properly later in her trip.

Arriving in Kerikeri, I dropped Fiona off at her accommodation in the town centre. The afternoon sun was warm, casting long shadows. She thanked me, her smile still bright, and said she was excited to start exploring. It was a good drive, seeing the landscape transform and hearing a little about her perspective. It’s moments like these, connecting with people and sharing the beauty of Aotearoa, that make being a driver for NZ Intercity Cabs so rewarding. I headed back towards Auckland as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, already thinking about my next fare and the stories they might bring.