We left Aukland and headed south to Hamilton to connect with a university friend from years back. Rohan and his wife Jo put us up at their house as we prepped for a camping trip to the Coromandel Peninsula. I had fond memories of the area from a camping trip with Rohan’s family and was looking forward to being there again.
So many people forsake the North Island and head directly to the South Island. But the North has much to offer and shouldn’t be missed. Where the South is mountainous like our west coast the North has rolling hills that look like the grass was mowed thanks to the sheep. There is active volcanic activity, hot springs, beaches with warm water, wine valleys, hiking, kayaking, biking, and more. You can be as active or relaxed as you choose while enjoying some great scenery and culture.
Since Hamilton is only a 30 minute drive from the black sandy beaches of Raglan and we needed a couple of days to get supplies for our trip up the Coromandel I took my wife Chris out for a west coast sunset while we were still in the area. Raglan is a hot surfy spot and a chill place to hang out and have dinner and . The Raglan Hotel, a classic historic place by the water has great seafood but their green lipped mussel in a coconut curry broth is delightful. Enjoy it with a great Kiwi beer and your in heaven. A stroll on the beach watching the sun extinguish itself in the sea makes a wonderful day complete.
