Naumi Hotel Auckland Airport to Russell private car — Fiona's holiday

The 7th of January, right in the thick of a proper Auckland summer. That kind of heat that makes the tar on the roads feel like it’s about to melt. My first pickup of the day was at the Naumi Hotel near the airport. A bit of an unusual start, most folks are heading out of Auckland for the day, but this was a trip north, all the way up to Russell.

Picked up a lady, Fiona M. She looked like she’d just stepped off a plane, the kind of pale that only comes from faraway places. She had that lovely lilt in her voice, unmistakably Scottish. She mentioned she was over for a holiday, a bit of sightseeing after a long flight, and wanted to see the Bay of Islands. Russell, specifically. It’s a beautiful spot, steeped in history, and a world away from the busyness of Auckland. She’d chosen a cab for the journey for convenience and to soak in the scenery without the hassle of driving herself.

We set off heading north out of Auckland, the city sprawling out behind us as we joined the motorway. The initial stretch is busy, even on a midweek morning, but as we cleared the main urban sprawl, the traffic thinned. Fiona seemed content to just watch the world go by, her gaze shifting from the passing landscape to the small details I pointed out – the distinct New Zealand Christmas trees, the pohutukawa with their vibrant red blooms, a stark contrast to the usual greens. She commented on how different the flora was from what she was used to back home.

We took the State Highway 1 northbound, passing through Warkworth and then Wellsford. The landscape started to change, becoming more rural, dotted with farms and pockets of bush. The air grew cleaner, saltier, as we neared the coast. Fiona mentioned she’d always wanted to visit the north of New Zealand, drawn by stories of its natural beauty and its role in the early days of the country. She’d done her research, knew about the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the historical significance of Russell.

As we approached the turn-off for the SH10, the road narrowed, winding through more undulating terrain. The anticipation in the car was palpable. We were leaving the main highway behind, heading towards a more remote and cherished part of the island. The sun was high and bright, casting sharp shadows. Fiona pointed out a flock of sheep grazing on a steep hillside, remarking on the iconic Kiwi pastoral scene. She told me about her hometown in Scotland, a small village nestled beside a loch, and how the vastness of the ocean here felt both familiar and entirely new.

We drove through Kaeo, a small town with a distinctive charm, and then the scenery opened up again, revealing glimpses of the sparkling blue water of the various bays and inlets that make up the region. The final leg of the journey took us along the winding roads of State Highway 11, past Opua, and then into Russell itself. The road was narrow in places, hugging the coastline, offering stunning views of the bay. Fiona watched with interest as we navigated the last few bends, the historic buildings of Russell coming into view.

I drove the short distance to her accommodation. She was staying in a quaint little place nestled amongst the trees, not far from the waterfront. Fiona expressed her gratitude for the smooth and comfortable journey, mentioning how the ease of the private transfer allowed her to truly relax and appreciate the drive. She said the views had been spectacular, better than any postcard she’d seen. She was excited to start exploring Russell on foot, to step back in time and experience the history she’d read so much about. She planned to visit the museum, walk along the waterfront, and perhaps even take a boat trip out to explore the surrounding islands. I wished her a wonderful stay, and as she stepped out of the cab, she gave me a warm smile, already looking refreshed and ready for her holiday.

Driving back towards Auckland in the late afternoon, with the sun starting its descent, I reflected on the journey. It’s trips like these that make the job so rewarding. Taking people to places they dream of visiting, seeing their excitement build with every kilometre. Russell is a special place, a gem on the North Island, and seeing Fiona’s anticipation for it made the miles feel shorter. The contrast between the bustling city and the tranquil historical village of Russell is always striking. It’s a reminder of the diverse beauty this country holds, from the urban pulse of Auckland to the serene, sun-drenched shores of the Bay of Islands. It was a good day’s work, a reminder of why I love driving these roads.