Albany address to Kerikeri private car — Klaus's business trip

The day started like most Tuesdays in June, a bit grey and cool, but the skies over Albany usually clear up by mid-morning. I was heading up to a private residence, a nice place tucked away off the main road. My passenger for the day was Klaus M., originally from Germany, though he’d been living in New Zealand for quite some time. He was heading all the way up to Kerikeri for business. Long drive, but that’s what I’m here for.

Klaus was ready when I arrived, a smart briefcase at his side. He settled into the back seat, and we set off. The initial part of the journey involves navigating the Auckland morning traffic, heading north towards the Hibiscus Coast. Even with the city’s sprawl, there’s a definite shift in scenery as you get further out. The houses become more spread out, more green spaces appear, and the air starts to feel a little fresher.

We passed through Silverdale and continued up the State Highway 1. My mind was already shifting gears, planning the route and thinking about the stops ahead. The weather was holding, a soft grey blanket overhead, promising no rain, which is always a bonus on a long haul. Klaus seemed content to watch the scenery or perhaps catch up on some reading. He had a way of being quiet but engaged, observing the unfolding landscape without needing to fill the silence.

As we pushed further north, the terrain began to change. The rolling hills of Rodney became more pronounced. We passed through Warkworth, its distinctive bridge a familiar landmark. Then came the smaller settlements like Wellsford, each with its own unique character. It’s a route I know like the back of my hand. I’ve driven it countless times, seen it in every season, every type of weather. But it never gets old. There’s a beauty to the ruggedness of the Northland coast, even from the highway.

Klaus mentioned, in his quiet way, his work in renewable energy consulting. He explained that this trip to Kerikeri was to meet with a local community group about a potential solar farm project. He spoke of the importance of sustainable energy and how he felt a responsibility to help communities transition. He seemed genuinely passionate about his work, and I found myself reflecting on the different paths people take, the skills they develop, and the impact they can have.

We stopped at a service station near Waipapa for a short break. Klaus stretched his legs and grabbed a coffee. I took the opportunity to check the tires and make sure everything was running smoothly. The air up here always feels particularly crisp. You can smell the damp earth and the distant scent of pine trees. It’s a world away from the city.

Back on the road, the final stretch to Kerikeri felt shorter. The landscape became more lush, the vegetation denser. We passed through vineyards and orchards, signs of the region’s agricultural richness. Kerikeri itself has a charm about it. It’s a town that feels connected to its history, with the Kerikeri Mission Station being a significant point of interest, though we were heading towards the more modern side of things for Klaus’s business meetings.

I dropped Klaus off at his meeting venue right on time. He thanked me for the smooth and comfortable journey, mentioning how much he appreciated being able to focus on his thoughts and prepare for his meetings without the stress of driving. It’s always rewarding to know I’ve made someone’s day easier, especially when they’re travelling for important business.

As I turned the cab around to begin the long drive back to Auckland, I felt a sense of satisfaction. It had been a good trip. A chance to see a part of the country I love, to interact with an interesting person like Klaus, and to be reminded of the diverse reasons people travel. The northwards journey is always a favourite. It feels like peeling back layers of the country, revealing more of its natural beauty with every kilometre. Even with the greyness of June, Northland has a way of holding onto its vibrant green hues, a testament to its resilience and natural abundance. The drive back gives you time to process, to think about the conversations, the scenery, and the everyday journeys that make up life here in New Zealand.