Parnell address to Tauranga private car — Chloe's family visit

The 21st of November. A solid late spring day in Auckland. The sky was that bright, almost aggressive blue you only really get at this time of year, promising warmth but still carrying a crispness in the air. My first pickup was in Parnell, a lovely old villa with roses just starting to come into their own. It was a private residence pickup, so I pulled up and waited, the engine humming a low idle. My passenger emerged, a woman named Chloe, who was originally from Queensland but had been calling Auckland home for a few years now. She had that easygoing manner you often find with Aussies, a relaxed smile and a direct way of speaking that I’ve always appreciated.

Chloe was heading down to Tauranga for a family visit. She explained that her sister had just had her first child, and this was her first trip to meet the new niece. There’s always a special kind of excitement around these visits, a mix of anticipation and a touch of nerves, I reckon. She was carrying a small, nicely wrapped gift, tucked under her arm. As we pulled away from the quiet, leafy street of Parnell, she looked out the window, a thoughtful expression on her face. She thought Auckland was starting to feel a bit too big for her these days, and she was looking forward to the slightly more laid-back pace of the Bay of Plenty. I could relate to that. Auckland’s great, but it’s got its own energy, and sometimes you just need a change of scene.

We set off south, heading for the Southern Motorway. The initial part of the journey is always a bit of a shuffle, navigating the city’s arterial routes before you can really open her up. We passed through the familiar suburbs, the traffic gradually thinning as we headed towards the Bombay Hills. Chloe pointed out a few places she remembered from earlier trips, sharing little anecdotes about her time living in the city. She’d only been here a few years herself, not long enough to be a true local, but long enough to have carved out her own little niche.

The drive over the Bombay Hills is always a good one. The road climbs, the trees press in close, and then you’re treated to that sweeping view as you descend towards the Hauraki Plains. It’s a view that never gets old. We passed through Pokeno, the smell of bacon a faint but distinct presence in the air, a little nod to its famed bacon-curing history. Then it was on towards the Waikato, passing Huntly and Ngaruawahia, the Waikato River flowing placidly alongside the road for a good stretch. Chloe mentioned she’d always liked this part of the country, finding the wide-open spaces and the fertile farmland very calming.

We stopped for a brief break near Cambridge. It’s a good point to stretch the legs, grab a quick coffee. Chloe said she’d visited Cambridge a few times but hadn’t explored it much. She was more interested in getting to Tauranga and seeing her sister. She was eager to hold the baby, to soak in the new-baby smell that she described with a wistful smile. She talked about how important family was, especially now that she was a bit further away from her own back in Australia. It’s funny how travel, especially these sorts of trips, can bring those feelings to the surface.

Back on the road, the landscape began to change subtly as we got closer to the coast. We headed towards the Kaimai Range, the hills growing steeper and the road winding a bit more. The air started to feel a bit more humid, a tangible shift from the crispness of Auckland. Chloe commented on the lush greenness of the region, the dairy farms nestled in the valleys, and the picturesque countryside. She was more interested in the natural beauty of the region than any specific landmarks.

As we approached the summit of the Kaimais, Chloe commented on the impressive views opening up towards the Bay of Plenty. It’s true, there’s a distinct flavour to the towns along this corridor, and the transition from the Waikato plains to the coastal region is always a noticeable one.

Finally, the signage for Tauranga began to appear. She could practically taste the sea. Chloe’s excitement was palpable now. She checked her watch frequently, her eyes scanning the approaching scenery. She was already picturing the welcome she’d receive, the cuddle with her sister, and of course, the star of the show – the new baby.

We navigated the outskirts of Tauranga, the roads becoming a little more congested as we neared the city centre. She’d given me the specific address, a house in one of the newer developments on the western side of town. As I pulled up to the curb, her sister was already waiting on the driveway, a beaming smile on her face. Chloe gathered her gift, a look of pure joy spreading across her features. She thanked me for the smooth ride, her voice warm with anticipation. I watched as she hurried towards her sister, the promise of family hugs and a tiny new life waiting just inside. It’s moments like these, seeing people reunited and heading towards happiness, that make this job more than just driving. It’s about being a small part of their journey, connecting places and people, and sending them off with a smile. Another day, another satisfying drive down the road.