Raglan - a little surfing and artsy heaven

It's art dude.
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Got to Raglan early doors to check the surf, which was good. What was even better was that the coastline was just beautiful and the sand was black!

Raglan is one of the best surf breaks in the world and we expected to find all the crap that goes with such a tag. (Like you'd get in Australia). However, it was beautiful, quiet, small, low key and just lovely. We could have stayed here for a fortnight.

Surfing waves crashing onto black sand

... so is this.
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As everywhere in NZ the locals are very friendly and welcoming.

Whilst I was having a surf Nat went off to take some photographs. (She has literally taken thousands now!) When I came from the sea Nat had checked us into the nicest little backpackers accommodation and we quickly became hooked on the place.

We made use of the free kayaks and explored the beaches and bays around the town and more freaky black beaches. Between activies we found a nice place to get coffees and big cakes (we can do that here cos NZ is a little cheaper than Oz!)

Natalie finally yielded to years worth of pressure to get a surf lesson (from me!) and stood up and rode the wave within the first 40 minutes! The same day we found a waterfall that wasnt listed in the Rough Guide (always rather satisfying) and we're amazed that it wasnt hyped (like the town itself).

We didnt want to leave but wanted to see what else the North Island could throw at us!