Mt Eden Airbnb to Auckland Airport private car — Anja's family visit

The alarm chirped at 4:30 AM, a brutal but necessary start to a day that promised an early morning charge down the Southern Motorway. I’m Harry, and NZ Intercity Cabs is my whole world here in Auckland. The air was still cool, the kind of pre-dawn chill that clings to the city even in mid-winter. My trusty wagon, a reliable van that’s seen more sunrises in Auckland than most people have had hot dinners, was ready to go.

My destination was a quaint Airbnb tucked away in Mt Eden. The streetlights cast long shadows as I navigated the quieter suburban roads, the usual city hum still a distant murmur. Finding the correct house was straightforward enough, a modern setup with a neat little garden. Waiting on the porch, silhouetted against a dim porch light, was my passenger for the day. He looked a little like he’d just rolled out of bed, which, of course, he probably had. He was Luca M., a chap from Switzerland who was in Auckland for a family visit. This particular trip was a one-way to Auckland Airport, for a flight that was likely taking him from the crisp winter of the North Island to somewhere warmer, or perhaps back home for a spell.

He’d brought a decent amount of luggage, a couple of suitcases and a backpack, which I efficiently stowed away in the back. As we pulled out and joined the deserted main roads, aiming for the Motorway on-ramp, Luca settled into the passenger seat. We had a good hour or so ahead of us, and the initial quiet of the early morning often lends itself to a contemplative mood. Luca seemed to appreciate the stillness.

He mentioned that he’d been staying in Auckland for a few weeks, enjoying the city’s vibe and, more importantly, catching up with family who lived locally. His trip to the airport wasn’t the end of his journey, he explained, but rather the start of a longer international flight. He’d been staying in the Airbnb to be closer to his family base in Mt Eden for these final few days, avoiding the hassle of packing and unpacking at their place multiple times.

As we merged onto State Highway 1 South, the Auckland skyline began to recede in the rearview mirror. The lights of the city, so vibrant just a few hours prior, were now softening as dawn approached. Luca watched the transition, a small smile playing on his lips. He commented on the efficiency of the roads at this hour; it was a stark contrast to the usual congestion he’d likely experienced during daylight hours. I nodded, accustomed to the rhythm of the city and its traffic patterns. This early start was a common request, especially for airport runs, and it always felt like a little secret we shared with the city, the roads belonging to us for a brief, golden moment.

He shared that he’d managed to do a bit of sightseeing during his stay. The Skytower, a prominent landmark that’s hard to miss, had been a particular point of interest. He spoke about the panoramic views, the feeling of being on top of the world, even if that world was just a sprawling city and its surrounding harbours. He also spoke of walks along the waterfront, enjoying the sea air and the lively atmosphere. It sounded like he’d made the most of his time here, soaking in what Auckland had to offer.

We passed through familiar landmarks along the Southern Motorway: the turn-off for Manukau, the vast expanse of the airport precinct still relatively quiet, the exit for State Highway 20. Luca pointed out how green everything looked, even in July. He’d noticed that even though it was winter, the North Island retained a lot of its lushness, a testament to the climate here. He explained that back home in Switzerland, winter meant a much starker, snow-covered landscape, at least in the regions he was familiar with. It was always interesting to hear these comparisons, the small observations that highlight the differences and similarities between places.

As we got closer to the airport, the traffic began to pick up, a few more cars and the occasional truck appearing on the road. The overall atmosphere shifted from the serene quiet of the early morning to the anticipatory buzz of the day’s travel. Luca gathered his belongings, ensuring he hadn’t left anything behind. He thanked me for the comfortable ride, mentioning how smooth the journey had been. He seemed relaxed and ready for his next leg of the journey. I appreciated that; my goal is always to make the travel experience as stress-free as possible, especially at the start of a long trip.

I pulled up to the correct drop-off zone, the vast terminals of Auckland Airport looming before us. The organised chaos of arrivals and departures was already in full swing. I helped him with his luggage, ensuring his bags were within easy reach of the entrance. He gave a final nod, a friendly acknowledgement of the service provided. With that, Luca M. headed off, a visitor from Switzerland embarking on a new adventure, leaving me to consider the next pickup. It’s a simple rhythm, this life on the road, but each trip brings its own small stories, its own brief connections. The sun was properly up now, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, a beautiful start to the main part of the day. Time to head back and get ready for whatever came next.