Overview
The Tourist In My Own Country series continues, this time to the sleepy coastal settlement of Raglan. A crew of good friends packed our bags, surfboards, golf clubs, books and four days worth of vino, beer and Easter eggs to celebrate the long Easter weekend at Raglan's Whale Bay.
We were also lucky enough to take the brand new VW Golf (with especially imported and essential roof racks) for the ride. Recently released in the country and retailing at a very attainable price of $32,250 RRP, we fell in love instantly with the car and it was certainly hard to return to it's rightful owners at the end of the trip.
So as we act like tourists in our own back yard, I certainly hope you find the below to offer helpful pointers and inspiration to get out and discover the best New Zealand has to offer. Raglan was an ideal getaway location, a creative hub not to far from home, a relaxing holiday with cool cafes, cool people, no parking wardens, forgiving traffic officers, and some not so forgiving rocks.
WHERE DID WE GO?
The sleepy surfing village of Raglan (population of 4000). Arguably one of the best set ups internationally as far as surf destinations go. Peeling left handers, a selection of remote surf beach breaks accessible via boat or farmlands and of course the public main, black sand beach of Wainui. We headed down on the Thursday night of Easter, with traffic been a bit sturdy, it took just over two and half hours (we were to later find out that the traffic was even worse on the Friday morning, so good to know for future getaways).
Located forty minutes west of Hamilton (the tron), we found our final destination nestled 8km past the Raglan township on Whaanga Road, (which the New Zealand Rally used to pass through). Overlooking Whale Bay (the bay is named Whale Bay due to the rock formation in the bay that looks like the tail of a whale, well atleast I think it is), we were set for a magic 4 days of surf, easter eggs, BBQ's, relaxation and sunshine.
WHERE DID WE STAY?
From $200 per Night + $15 per Extra person/s
We booked our accommodation through a friend who owns this classic New Zealand surf bach (also check out his website Fallenfront for some mint mens clothing). Over looking Whale Bay and views right out into the Tasman Sea, this was the perfect spot for waking up, checking the swell and getting in amongst it all. BBQ's with sunset to boot, yoga, plenty of couches to laze around, Sky TV, wi-fi, two double bedrooms plus an extra bedroom with bunk and another double bed. This house provided us with all we needed for the long weekend getaway.
Our friends stayed at another great spot, located directly in front of the Whale Bay point. We have also stayed previously at ex-All Black Josh Kronfield's place On the Rocks, which includes a Spa overlooking the majestic indicators surf break. Plenty of backpacking options available also, as well as cheaper housing options back in the township of Raglan.
WHAT DID WE DO?
There was a lot of surfing. Arriving on the Thursday night of Easter weekend, we had plenty of time to check things out, though this wasn't necessarily on the agenda. When we first arrived, the surf was too small for the points, so a lot of surfing was done at the beach breaks of Wainui Beach and Ruapuke. We also took a boat out to the other side of the Raglan harbour, offering us exclusive access to a spot called Mussel Rock. No one out. Ideal.
The swell eventually kicked in on the Sunday, providing some of the best sessions I have witnessed in Raglan, with long 4-5 ft waves stretching from Indicators, right through the valley and into Whale Bay.
The Raglan Golf Course would have to be one of my favourite golf courses. I'm not a huge golfer, but I do enjoy a cheeky nine holes (I can't last 18). Alongside a gallery of sheep watching you as you tee off into the rolling hills (or that bunker), this historic golf course (used to be a World War II landing strip) offers a cheap round of golf for $20, even cheaper beer and certainly plenty of challenges. Bring a few pairs of balls.
Relaxed
That is what we were there to do after all. The house provided us with more than enough good times, with a balcony overlooking the Tasman sea, looking out towards some magnificent sunsets.
Though we weren't there to do a lot of the touristy things, there is certainly a lot of things that can be done, including Bridal Veils, paddle-boarding, Art Trails and other Walks. If all else fails, go surfing.
WHERE DID WE EAT?
As mentioned, a lot of food was had at the house, including BBQ's, crackers and cheese and a shit load of chocolate (it was Easter, come on). When we did venture out, we stumbled across some gems, namely:
Conscious Kitchen Cafe at Solscape
Located within 30 minutes walking distance from Whale Bay, we were lead to the new Conscious Kitchen Cafe by one of the Raglan locals. Solscape itself isn't new, but the kitchen is, only opened in the last couple of months. This place serves vegan and vegetarian organic food, mostly grown on site. The views are worth the visit alone. A truly relaxed experience, enjoy the views of the Tasman while experience a conscious dining experience. The pancakes are epic, as well as the Vegetarian burger.
A good coffee can be found at a number of places in Raglan, and Raglan Roasters is one of them. Run by local coffee pros, the hole-in-the-wall coffee shop is located down Volcom Lane, which also hosts a number of vintage homeware gift stores and of course a surf shop. Also worth noting, make sure you stop into their Te Uku Roast Shop, ten minutes out of Raglan as you head back towards Hamilton.
Possibly avoid on long weekends, as this place pumps. But that is because they know what they are doing. Good coffee, licensed, mouth-watering menu including breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Shack is one of Raglan's popular eateries.
The Brand New VW Golf 7
Jeremy Clarkson was initially lined up for this review, but he had to unfortunately return to England due to filming commitments. Therefore, I have had to step up. Not being a consumate car enthusiast, I certainly was apprehensive about reviewing a car. But the opportunity to take the new golf for a spin to Raglan was one too difficult to turn down. And after all, I am a consumer, and I know what I need, so I guess, I know what I want, and that is:
Music - bluetooth enabled stereo system that synced to my favourite tunes on my phone. The volume and bass goes as loud and as deep as you need it.
Space - although roof racks were provided for my surfboard, I found that there was plenty of space anyway. With the back seats down, there was room for my 6'1 surfboard, golf bag plus luggage inside. It is a big, small car, and looks epic with roof racks.
Economy - I'm a tight ass, so to get back and forth from Raglan using hardly half of the tank leads me to believe this is one hell of an economic machine. It did have a weird habit of turning itself off when sitting idle to conserve petrol, but was kind of soothing in Auckland traffic. Tick.
Speed and Cruise Control - Great toe for a little car, perfect for the nip required around the city. The car also has cruise control. I should have used it as you will see below.
As if out of some cruel fate, I was met by a friendly police officer who caught me going a modest 113km down the back roads near Huntly on our return route to Auckland. After quizzing me on where we had been (Raglan), whether the surf was pumping (yes) and where we were heading (Auckland), he handed me my kindly reduced fine of $30, down from $80. As he handed me the ticket, he simply smiled and explained quite sympathetically "I have reduced your ticket, as I used to live in Auckland, and now I live in Raglan', and simply strutted back to his car and drove off. Well played officer, well played.
