Penrose office to Paihia private car — Linh's conference trip

The 11th of October, a crisp spring morning in Auckland. The leaves were green and fresh as I pulled up to the Penrose office. It was a bit of a grey start to the day, the kind that makes you appreciate the warmth of the cab. My passenger, Minh T, was waiting by the entrance. He looked ready for a long journey, with a smart briefcase beside him, suggesting business rather than pure leisure. He’d mentioned when booking that he was attending a conference in Paihia, something about agricultural technology. That’s always interesting to hear about, the different fields people work in.

We got him settled and headed north out of the city. Penrose is pretty industrial, but soon enough we were on the motorway, heading towards the harbour bridge. The traffic was a little slow going at first, a typical Saturday morning jam, but it eased up as we crossed the bridge and got onto State Highway 1. The sky was still a bit overcast, but I could see glimpses of blue trying to break through. Minh seemed relaxed, taking in the scenery as we left the urban sprawl behind.

Our first proper stop was Warkworth. It’s a nice little town, good for stretching the legs and grabbing a coffee. I know a good spot just off the main road. Minh decided he’d skip the coffee for now, but he appreciated the break. He told me he had been living in Vietnam for the last five years, having moved there from his home country for his work. It’s always fascinating to hear people’s life stories, the paths they’ve taken that lead them to where they are now. He spoke about the rapid development he'd seen in the agricultural sector back home, and how he was keen to see what innovations were being discussed at the conference.

Back on the road, we continued north. The landscape started to change, becoming more rolling hills and farmland. We passed through Wellsford and then the scenery really opened up. The air felt cleaner, fresher, as we got closer to the coast. Minh pointed out some of the different types of trees we were seeing, comparing them to similar species he was familiar with from Southeast Asia, but noting the distinct New Zealand flora.

As we approached the turn-off for the Northland region, the sun finally decided to make a proper appearance. The light changed, casting long shadows and making the green pastures look even more vibrant. We joined State Highway 11, the road that snakes its way towards the Bay of Islands. It’s a beautiful drive, with glimpses of the turquoise water through the trees and the distant islands dotting the horizon. I always enjoy this part of the trip, even though I’ve done it countless times.

The entrance to Paihia town is marked by a lovely sweeping bend with the water stretching out before you. I drove Minh right to his accommodation, a comfortable-looking motel near the waterfront. He expressed his gratitude for the smooth and timely journey. He was looking forward to getting settled and preparing for his conference the next day. He mentioned that he’d been told by colleagues about the beauty of the Bay of Islands, and after seeing it on the drive in, he could understand why.

Before he hopped out, he asked me about the best way to get to Russell the following day, as he knew a ferry crossed over. I explained that the car ferry was just a short drive from where we were, and that they ran frequently. I also advised him on the best time to go to catch the morning light, which he seemed keen on – apparently, the photography opportunities there are quite something, especially around the historic waterfront and flagstaff.

He thanked me again and headed off to check in. As I drove away, I reflected on the journey. It’s more than just getting from A to B. It's about the conversations, the shared moments, and seeing familiar places through fresh eyes, or in this case, hearing about them from someone experiencing them for the first time. Minh T struck me as a driven individual, passionate about his work and clearly excited about the potential for progress in agriculture. It’s satisfying to be a small part of facilitating such connections, even if it’s just the drive. The Northland coast always feels like a world away from Auckland, a bit more relaxed, a bit more… peaceful. I had another fare booked for the afternoon, heading back south, so the timing worked out perfectly. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a perfect end to a good day’s work.