Jet Park Hotel Auckland Airport to Kawhia private car — Anjini's holiday

The morning started like any other cloudy Auckland Tuesday. November, still got that damp chill in the air, but you can feel summer trying its best to break through. My first fare of the day was out at the Jet Park Hotel near the airport. Easy enough pickup, just the one passenger waiting by the entrance, a suitcase already by his side. He looked like he was ready to go. I got his bags loaded, a bit of a shuffle with the golf clubs, and then introduced myself as Harry from NZ Intercity Cabs. He was Ravi, and his last initial was S. He was originally from Fiji, but had been living here in Auckland for a good few years now. He told me he was heading out to Kawhia for a bit of a holiday, a chance to get away from the city hustle and see some of the real New Zealand countryside. I nodded, happy to be part of that escape.

The drive out of town always takes a bit of navigating, especially with the new roadworks that seem to be popping up everywhere. We went the direct route, straight down State Highway 1 towards the south, past the Bombay Hills. The sky was threatening rain, but it held off for most of the journey. Ravi was quiet for a while, just watching the landscape change. The urban sprawl gave way to rolling green hills, dotted with sheep – the iconic Kiwi scenery. He mentioned he hadn't been to this part of the North Island before, and was keen to see the coast. I pointed out the turn-off for Te Kauwhata, and we headed west towards the coast, cutting across country.

We passed through small towns, each with its own character. Pokeno, famous for its ice cream, always gets a smile. Te Kauwhata, a quiet farming town. Then through Te Awamutu, a bit of a hub for the Waikato. Ravi seemed to appreciate the passing commentary, asking about some of the landmarks. He explained that back in Fiji, even though it’s an island nation, the kind of open, rolling farmland we were seeing was quite different to what he was used to. His memories were of lush, tropical vegetation and the ocean being the dominant feature, of course.

As we got closer to the coast, the more rugged and wild the landscape became. The roads narrowed, winding through patches of native bush and over small, babbling streams I wouldn't even know the names of. The air started to feel different, cleaner, carrying the scent of salt. Ravi mentioned he was looking forward to seeing the black sand beaches Kawhia is known for. He'd heard they were quite spectacular and a bit of a hidden gem. I agreed, it’s a special part of the country, not as well-trodden as some of the more famous tourist spots, but definitely worth the journey.

We finally arrived in Kawhia around lunchtime. It’s a small, quiet settlement. You can immediately feel the pace of life slow down. The harbour is the main feature, calm and picturesque. Ravi got his bags out, thanked me for the smooth ride and the local insights. He seemed genuinely relaxed, the city stress already melting away. He told me he was heading to a bach nearby and planned to just unwind, explore the beaches, maybe do a bit of fishing. He also mentioned he was going to visit the local hot springs, the natural ones that appear at low tide on the beach. He'd heard they were a unique experience.

As I drove away, leaving Ravi to his holiday, I reflected on how rewarding this job can be. Taking people to places they want to go, whether it's for business, family, or just a break. Kawhia is a place that demands you slow down, a place that feels a world away from the airport hustle I'd left him at just a few hours before. It’s a reminder of the diversity this country offers, even within the North Island. From the busy cityscapes of Auckland to the tranquil coastline of Kawhia, it’s all connected by these roads, and I get to be the one that bridges those gaps. Another day, another journey, and another satisfied customer heading off to explore. It felt good to have helped Ravi start his well-deserved break.