Find peace and connection high up in Raglan
Whetū, 2hrs South of Auckland.
The dirt path weaves its way around corners and true to form, it's quite spicy. I was getting a bead on the brow but my partner politely reminded me to go slow; we weren't in a rush. In fact the more we stopped, turned around and admired the beautiful view, the more I felt relaxed, and enjoyed the walk.
As soon we reached the bush section, any negative mentality dissolved as the trees, interweaving vines and plants put those thoughts behind us. We had our very own secluded clearing with native trees all around and the view was unreal. It's hard to articulate but it feels like you're on top of the world and can look right up the coastline! It makes you realise the walk up was totally worth it. We ditched our bags had a few deep breathes and took it all in. After a few stressful weeks at work - and a newborn baby - it was exactly what we needed. As nice as all the family visits have been, it was also so nice to get away and just have time with our new baby. I've always enjoyed camping and the outdoors so naturally I gravitated towards the fire. I must have some ingrained primal instinct, but to me it's all about the fire! I got that roaring, cracked a beer and for the first time in months I actually felt 100% relaxed. The evening was spent with the basics, cooking, talking and admiring the view. Around sunset the bird song ramped up and was amazing! Native wood pigeons, Moreporks, Tui and others that I don't know the name of took turns at entertaining us.
There are only a few places I've come across that evoke that welcome sensation of calm and chill. Raglan is just that. No matter the stresses, the BS or pressure you leave behind...as soon as you drive over that last peak and you see the hills, the water and the quaint township it's like you instinctively can't feel stressed. You exhale....and you transition into another mode. Growing up in NZ, everyone knows about Raglan. It's famed for its surf breaks, iconic pub and chill vibes, however, there's an amazing and creative art culture, fantastic cafes with locally grown organic food, an outstanding brewery and some of the most scenic coastal bush walks around. It's like what Byron Bay used to be like 20 years ago before it exploded.
Off we went along Wainui Rd before reaching the turn off to the left towards Whaanga Rd. Before too long there was an epic transition where the bush meets the coast and we suddenly found ourselves weaving up a gravel track surrounded by vibrant Nikau palms that have an awesome Jurassic park feel about them.
I purposely didn't want to take a laptop and my phone was intentionally buried at the bottom of my bag. In fact the battery ran dead soon after arriving...even better!
We chose to leave the blinds open at night as I wanted to wake up slowly with the natural light. It may not be for everyone, but we had no regrets. The birds welcomed the new day. I sat outside in the cool air and ground some fresh coffee beans. It made me realise how amazing it is that something so simple could make you feel so different and the coffee tasted better after knowing I had worked for that brew.
We took our coffees and wandered up in to the paddock. We thought the view from our cabin was epic but daaaaamnn, this shit was next level up there. I can't recall ever enjoying a morning coffee as much as I did this one. The view up there was truly awe inspiring and gives you a perspective of NZ that 99% of people don't ever get to see. After a refreshing and restful morning we wandered back down the track, past the pines and on to the dirt track. I actually felt sad to leave but made me realise this is something I need more of in my life
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Charlie Chrisp is our New Zealand Country Manager and new Dad to Sebastian. To experience our NZ cabins and the benefits of incredible nature for yourself, head right over here to book.
Whetū, 2hs South of Auckland. Looking to get some mud on your boots and get out into nature? Find cabin availability near your city.