Sofitel Auckland Viaduct to Sandy Bay private car — Pimchanok's holiday

The Viaduct shimmered with its usual late-December buzz, all gleaming yachts and pavement cafés. Even the air, thick with the promise of a humid summer evening ushering in New Year's Eve, felt alive. My ute, clean and ready, idled discreetly a block away, waiting for my passenger. My instructions were to collect her directly from the Sofitel at 11 am. It was just before noon when a woman emerged, looking like she’d stepped out of a magazine. She was impeccably dressed, a light linen suit in a pale blue, accessorised with simple, elegant jewellery. Her luggage, a single stylish suitcase, was waiting for me by the entrance. She introduced herself as Pimchanok S., and her destination was Sandy Bay, north of Whangārei. A holiday, she'd mentioned when booking, a chance to see a bit more of the North Island before returning to Bangkok.

We loaded her small suitcase into the boot, and she settled into the passenger seat with a quiet sigh. I started the engine, pulling away from the kerb and into the city’s holiday traffic. The first stretch out of Auckland, heading north on SH1, was its usual slow crawl, especially as everyone was trying to get out of town for the long weekend. Pimchanok was content to watch the city recede, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. She didn't say much at first, which was fine by me. I've learned that people often just need a bit of quiet space when they start a journey, especially a long one like this.

We reached the Northern Motorway tunnels and the traffic began to ease. I pointed out the new bypass construction around Warkworth as we approached. She nodded, occasionally asking a question about a particular landmark or the type of trees we were passing. She had a gentle way of speaking, with a soft accent that was pleasant to listen to. She told me she'd always wanted to visit New Zealand, drawn by the natural landscapes she'd seen in photos. This trip was a long-held dream, a solo adventure to celebrate a recent milestone in her career.

We stopped for coffee and a stretch at a little place just off the highway near Wellsford. While she ordered a flat white, I topped up the ute with fuel. The air was warm, and the scent of cut grass hung in the air. Back in the car, she showed me a few pictures on her phone – bustling markets in Bangkok, serene temples, and then some images of the beautiful beaches of the Northland. Her home city was so different from the quiet rolling hills of Northland, and even more so from the coastal beauty she was heading towards. She spoke about the intense heat of Bangkok and how she craved the milder climate and the ocean breeze of New Zealand.

As we drove further north, the landscape began to change. The rolling farmland gave way to more rugged hills, and the air started to carry the faint scent of salt. We navigated our way through Whangārei and then headed towards Tutukaka Road, the gateway to some of the region's most stunning coastal spots. Pimchanok seemed more animated now, pointing out the glimpses of blue water between the trees. She mentioned that she'd heard of Sandy Bay from a friend who had visited years ago and raved about its beauty.

We pulled up at her accommodation in Sandy Bay, a lovely little bach tucked away down a gravel drive, not far from the beach. The sun was starting its slow descent, casting a warm, golden light over everything. It was peaceful, the only sounds the distant rumble of the waves and the chirping of insects. She thanked me, her eyes bright, a genuine smile on her face. I helped her with her suitcase, and she waved goodbye as she headed towards the path leading to the beach, clearly eager to embrace the final day of the year and her holiday. I turned the ute back towards Whangārei, the quiet of the journey home a familiar companion, carrying the memory of a pleasant chat and the anticipation of new year celebrations I’d heard about in the city. It’s always nice to be part of someone’s special trip, even just for a ride.