Raglan really converted me into a whole other surfer. I must say it had a big impact on me. I stayed on this lodge close to a break called Indicators. It’s really down the mountain from where I stayed, a nice lodge called Karioi Lodge. It’s really inexpensive compared to most places and it has an cozy feeling to it. I was here in the winter and it was just the perfect cozy place you want to stay after a long day of surfing. This break called Indicators is a long left about 600 meters which feels like an endless wave if caught from the peak. On a big day it can link up with a wave from another break called Whale Bay. It is a long-walled, fast wave with occasional barrels.
Category Archives: New Zealand
Craters of the Moon – Taupo, New Zealand
Have you ever seen yourself walking through a cratered valley with clouds of steam surrounding you? With steam clouds coming out of mud pools? Well, if you haven’t, come to Taupo New Zealand. The entrance to the park is pretty cheap at $6. There is a sulfur like smell as you walk through this geothermal active field. It is a natural phenomena. When the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station was built, approximately 2000 meters north of the field, it utilized underground thermal energy to become more active and because of that it is now full of high pressure sulfurous steam. There is wooden boardwalks for you to walk safely through the park and enjoy it without worrying about any type of danger. For more pictures, see the Gallery page on this website.
Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand
Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. It reaches a height of 3,754 metres (12,316 ft). It is located in the south island of New Zealand and it is part of the Southern Alps. The view is beautiful and stunning, it reminds us humans of how small we really are. The town itself is really small so there is not much to do there but to go see the enormous mountain. There are 10 short or day walks around the Mount Cook Village and into the main valleys. The most popular are to Kea Point and the Hooker Valley. I wasn’t able to do them but I hear they are nice walks.
Fox Glacier
Located in the western side of the South island of New Zealand sits Fox Glacier. A 30 minute drive up the coast leads you to Franz Josef Glacier. Fox Glacier is the bigger one so that’s how I made the decision on which one to hike. I choose to do the full day hike only because everyone told me that the half day hike is pretty but you don’t see as much. I was excited to see it all. I’ve never even seen a glacier and for me to be able to hike through one would be a dream come true. It is important to go with a guided group and follow directions on not to go pass the barriers to take pictures, many tourist have died. The ice is as hard as solid rock and it is very slippery. The full day hike tour provided all the gear we need like boots with proper clamps, jackets, weather proof pants etc. I give this tour two thumbs up. Recommended!
Wellington, New Zealand
I wasn’t sure what to expect of Wellington after seeing so many small cities on the way down from Auckland. It was quite the surprise, it’s architecture in the city center or downtown area left me pretty amazed, definitely a place to see on foot. Wellington is well known for its arts, culture, and fine dining. Walking through the downtown area you definitely notice that. They have a street called Cuba St. and it’s based on the Cuban culture having a whole lot of Cuban cafe’s around. I lived in Miami for a long time and it was pretty shocking for me to see Cuba St. I thought Miami was the only place with Cuban culture other than Cuba. Wellington is also known for its huge and attractive Te Papa Museum which currently holds the worlds largest Colossal Squid. Definitely a museum you don’t want to miss. Also known as Wellywood, Wellington has a huge film industry with big name studios there and director of Lord of the Rings living there as well.
Marlborough Region in the South Island of N.Z
Marlborough is one of the regions in New Zealand. It is mainly known for all of its wineries and vineyards. It is located on the northeast part of New Zealand. Blenheim is its main city and dozens of wine companies have their vineyards here. The fertile soil and temperate weather makes it the center of New Zealand’s wine industry. Sauvignon Blanc is mainly produced here followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I definitely recommend stopping by here and doing a few wine tasting tours.
The road to Raglan, a surfer town.
Raglan is a small quiet little surfer town on the west coast of New Zealand. It was definitely the type of place where I would want to stay for a few weeks. I stayed in this surf camp lodge located on a mountain by the ocean, in the middle of a jungle and a view of the glow worms that New Zealand is known for. The surf is pretty good here but if it’s ever flat you can drive 35 min further south to where it’s always about 2-3ft if flat in Raglan. I also recommend you see the Bridal Veil Falls. It’s not too far from there and totally worth the 10 minute hike with different levels of views. Raglan made me feel so relaxed. When your seeing these things and traveling through such a beautiful country, life feels surreal.
And the journey continues..Piha, New Zealand
When your traveling alone for a while and haven’t seen close friends or family in a while, you could have your down days every once in a while. There is also days where you say to yourself: “I wish I could have my family/friends here to see this too.” But its these “up” moments that make you want to keep going and see more. The key is to stay busy. I went to Piha on a pretty lonely day and boy did it blow me away. I went to Piha from Auckland, New Zealand and its about a 45 minute drive west of Auckland. I totally recommend it and would say its worth the drive. Well Piha was one of the spots where you look out and think to yourself: “Wow, I cant believe I’m here.” I know I haven’t seen much of New Zealand yet but I’ve read and seen pictures of nothing but amazing landscapes and scenery. I’m super excited to go explore more. As I make my way down around the north Island and the South Island, I will be posting more must see spots in New Zealand.
90 Mile Beach Sand dunes body boarding
Ninety Mile Beach is a beach located on the western coast of the far north of the North Island of New Zealand. The beach, and specifically its northern dunes, is a famous tourist destination. The dunes, looking very much like a desert landscape, was pretty unexpected. We went body boarding down them and it was a blast and saw a few funny wipe outs.
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga, located at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. The name of the cape comes from the M?ori word ‘Reinga’, meaning the ‘Underworld’. Cape Reinga is generally considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. From the lighthouse it is possible to watch the tidal race, as the two seas clash to create unsettled waters just off the coast. It’s April here and the climate is cool and windy. A beautiful peaceful place to come and visit. Very scenic with sand dunes a bit south and a 90 mile beach which you can drive on.