Auckland CBD address to Tairua private car — Giulia's business trip

The summer heat was already settling in over Auckland as I navigated the familiar streets of the CBD. It was January 4th, and the city was still buzzing with holiday energy. My next fare was a pickup from a private residence, a gentleman named Marco R, heading out to Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. Marco was originally from Italy, and he explained that he was here for some business meetings.

We met at the specified address, a nice place tucked away from the main road. Marco was ready to go, dressed smartly and with a single, neat suitcase. He gave me a warm smile as he got into the back of the van. He settled in quickly, and we set off, heading south out of the city.

The usual Auckland traffic was a bit sticky, but once we cleared the urban sprawl and got onto the Southern Motorway, things began to open up. He mentioned how much he enjoyed driving in New Zealand, appreciating the open roads and the stunning scenery, a stark contrast to the much more congested driving he was accustomed to in Italy. He told me about how he found the New Zealand business environment to be quite dynamic and welcoming.

As we drove towards the Bombay Hills, the landscape started to shift. The city’s concrete and glass gave way to rolling green paddies, dotted with sheep. The air, even through the closed windows, felt cleaner, fresher. Marco seemed to be taking it all in, his gaze often drifting towards the windows. He pointed out a particularly picturesque farm, commenting on how much he admired the peacefulness of rural life here. He had been in New Zealand for a few months, establishing a new branch for his company, and he was clearly impressed by the work-life balance he observed. He explained that this was a critical time for his business expansion, and he was working hard to set things up correctly.

We passed through Pokeno, a town growing rapidly, and then continued on SH1 before turning onto SH2. The landscape opened up further, with vast farmlands stretching out. Marco shared some insights into the different regional economies he had encountered during his travels around the North Island, noting the distinct characteristics of each. He seemed particularly interested in the agricultural sector, asking questions about the types of crops grown and the farming methods used. He elaborated on his own company’s focus, which involved [paraphrased business type, e.g., innovative technology solutions for logistics], and how he saw potential for growth in New Zealand.

As we continued towards the Coromandel, passing through places like Maramarua and Ngatea, the scenery became more dramatic. The terrain started to undulate more, with more mature bush crowding the roadside. Marco mentioned he had visited a few other coastal towns in the region before, but Tairua was new to him. He was looking forward to seeing it. He shared that he often found inspiration for his work when travelling, observing how different communities operated and solved problems.

The final leg of the journey took us onto State Highway 25, the road that winds its way through the heart of the Coromandel, after passing through Thames. The views here are always spectacular. Lush forests on one side, and glimpses of the increasingly turquoise ocean on the other. The road narrowed, with more twists and turns, but the views were worth every metre. Marco was quiet for a while, simply appreciating the unfolding panorama. He commented on the sheer beauty of the place, how it felt almost untouched. He explained that his business trips were often intense, and these moments of natural beauty were crucial for his rejuvenation. He found the mix of rugged coastline and dense native bush to be particularly captivating.

As we descended towards Tairua, the ocean came into full view. The harbour sparkled under the afternoon sun, and the distinctive shape of the islands in the bay stood out against the blue horizon. We arrived at Marco’s destination, a modern house overlooking the water. He thanked me for the smooth and pleasant journey. He mentioned that he had found the drive itself to be quite restorative, a welcome change of pace from his busy schedule. He picked up his suitcase, gave me a final nod, and headed towards his new temporary home, ready to settle in for his business engagements in the beautiful Coromandel. I watched him go, feeling satisfied with another trip completed, another small piece of New Zealand shared with a visitor.