Holiday Inn Auckland to Waihi private car — Fatima's family visit

February in Auckland. The air was still thick with the tail end of summer, that pleasant warmth that makes you think it’ll last forever. It was early afternoon when I pulled up to the Holiday Inn, a fairly standard pickup for that part of the city. My fare for the day was Mohammed A., a gentleman originally from the UAE, who was in town for a family visit.

He’d booked an Intercity cab for the trip out to Waihi. It’s a decent run, heading south-east out of the city, past the sprawling suburbs that seem to just keep on going. We joined the Southern Motorway, the usual Friday afternoon traffic already building. Mohammed seemed relaxed, taking in the passing scenery. He told me he’d been living in the Emirates for a good number of years, working in finance. This visit to New Zealand was a much-needed break, a chance to reconnect with family who had settled here a while back. He’d been away for almost five years and was looking forward to spending time with them.

As we cleared the city and the motorway transitioned into State Highway 1, the landscape started to open up. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, the kind of pastoral scene that New Zealand is famous for. We passed through smaller towns, each with its own little cluster of shops and houses. Bombay and Pokeno came and went, then we were turning off onto State Highway 2, heading towards the coast, the air starting to hint at the sea. The route towards Waihi takes you through some really beautiful countryside. It’s a drive I know well, having done it countless times, but it never gets old. The light can change so quickly here, turning the paddocks from deep emerald to a soft gold in the space of a few minutes.

Mohammed shared a bit about his life in Dubai. He described the sheer scale of the place, the towering skyscrapers, the constant hum of activity. It sounded like a different world from the quiet farmland we were driving through. He spoke of the desert heat, the artificial oases, and the incredible diversity of people from all over the globe who call it home. It was interesting to hear about his experiences, the different rhythms of life in such a bustling metropolis compared to the more laid-back pace of New Zealand. He mentioned that while he loved the energy and opportunity of Dubai, he also appreciated the natural beauty and slower pace of life he found on his visits here. It was a juxtaposition he seemed to enjoy embracing.

We continued on State Highway 2, the road winding its way through hills and valleys. The vegetation became denser in places, with ferns and native bush encroaching on the roadside. We were getting closer, passing through the Karangahake Gorge, the river rushing alongside us. Mohammed pointed out a few landmarks he remembered from previous trips, small details that showed he was familiar with the area, even if it had been a while.

As we approached Waihi, the landscape changed again. It’s known as the ‘Town of Gold’, and you can still feel that history. There’s a certain character to the place, a blend of old and new. It’s a gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, and the roads leading into it have a more coastal feel. We were right on time, the traffic manageable. Mohammed mentioned that his sister and her family were expecting him, and they hadn’t seen each other since his last visit three years ago. He was excited to catch up, to hear all about their lives and share his own updates. He spoke about how important family was to him, and how these visits were the highlight of his year, a chance to recharge and feel connected.

I navigated through the town, following the directions to the residential street where his family lived. It was a neat, well-kept neighbourhood, the kind of place you’d expect to find families settled. I pulled over to the curb right outside the house. Mohammed gathered his belongings, a couple of smart-looking suitcases. He thanked me for the comfortable ride, remarking on how smooth the journey had been. He expressed his appreciation for my punctuality and professionalism, saying it made his arrival stress-free after a long flight and then the city pickup.

As he got out, I saw a couple of people come out of the house, waving enthusiastically. Hugs were exchanged, smiles all around. It’s a nice part of the job, seeing those reunions happen, knowing you’ve played a small part in bringing people together. He gave a final nod and a wave as I pulled away, heading back towards Auckland. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows. It was a good drive, a pleasant journey with a passenger who had a story to tell. Another trip completed, another destination reached. Back to the depot, ready for the next booking.