Jet Park Hotel Auckland Airport to Hamilton private car — Astrid's family visit

The booking was for an early start, just as the first hint of daylight was starting to paint the edges of the sky. I pulled up to the Jet Park Hotel, a familiar spot near the airport, where my passenger, Knut S, was waiting. He was originally from Norway and now making his home here in New Zealand. He looked like he was ready for anything, a good sign for a long drive. Hamilton was the destination, a family visit. He told me he’d been living in Auckland for a couple of years now, but his closest family were all based down in the Waikato region. It’s a common story for people who move to Auckland – they love the city, but sometimes the pull of family elsewhere is just too strong to ignore.

As we pulled away from the hotel, the city was slowly coming to life. The usual morning traffic hadn’t quite built up yet, so we made good time heading south towards the motorway. Knut pointed out a few things as we drove, remembering his early days in Auckland, the places he’d explored, the challenges of setting up a new life in a new country. He spoke of the stark differences between Norway and New Zealand, the long, dark winters of his homeland versus the bright, often sunny days here. He mentioned how much he appreciated the kiwi sense of humour, finding it similar in some ways to the Norwegian outlook, a directness mixed with a quiet appreciation for life.

The route to Hamilton is a familiar one for me, a well-trodden path through the heart of the Waikato. We joined the Southern Motorway and soon we were past Manukau, the landscape opening up as we headed towards the Bombay Hills. The traffic was picking up a bit, but nothing too heavy for that time of the morning. You can always tell when you’re starting the descent into the Waikato basin after the Bombay Hills – the air feels a bit different, the farmland seems to stretch out even further. Pokeno, famous for its pies, whizzed by. Then Huntly, a town with a strong industrial heritage, and Ngaruawahia, nestled by the Waikato River. These places are landmarks on the journey, familiar to anyone who travels this route regularly.

Knut shared more about his family, his siblings who had also made the move to New Zealand, but had settled in different parts of the country. He was looking forward to seeing his sister, who lived in Hamilton, and mentioned they had plans for a big family barbecue that weekend. He loved how New Zealanders embraced the outdoor lifestyle, something that resonated with him deeply, having grown up with the fjords and mountains of Norway. He recounted tales of hiking and skiing in his youth, and how he found similar opportunities for adventure here in the North Island, though perhaps with a different kind of rugged beauty.

We talked about the differences in pace of life. He felt Auckland could be quite demanding, sometimes a bit overwhelming, but Hamilton offered a more relaxed atmosphere, which he preferred for raising a family. He explained that his children were settled in their schools in Hamilton, and that was a significant factor in their decision to base themselves there. While he still worked remotely for a Norwegian company, his heart was definitely in the Waikato.

As we approached Hamilton, the landscape shifted again, more urban sprawl blending with the rolling green hills. Knut pointed out the distinct architecture of the bridges crossing the Waikato River, a river that is the lifeblood of the region. He spoke of his appreciation for the public transport systems in New Zealand, noting how it had improved over the years, making it easier for people to get around without relying solely on cars, especially in the larger cities.

He expressed his gratitude for the smooth journey, acknowledging the relatively short distance covered, but still a good couple of hours on the road. It’s always rewarding to hear that. It’s more than just driving from A to B; it’s about making that journey comfortable and stress-free for the client, especially when they’re heading off to see loved ones. He commented on the efficiency of the cab service, and how it allowed him to relax and mentally prepare for his family reunion.

Pulling up to his sister’s place in Hamilton, a pleasant suburban home with a well-tended garden, I could see the anticipation on his face. He thanked me again, a warm handshake and a genuine smile. It’s moments like these that make the long hours on the road worthwhile. Seeing a passenger arrive at their destination, relaxed and ready to embrace what awaits them, that’s the best part of the job. Knut S, a traveller from Norway, settling into his new kiwi life in the heart of the Waikato, ready for family and barbecue. Just another day in the life of an Intercity cabbie, connecting people and places across the North Island.