Ocean View Airbnb Over Manu Bay: Raglan, New Zealand
For $130/night (inclusive of all fees), we stayed in this “peaceful bush and beach cottage” in Raglan, New Zealand, directly above the iconic Manu Bay. The house itself was nothing too extraordinary - quite old school, to be honest - but the surrounding areas, the views, and the privacy were what was exceptional.
Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Coming highly recommended from a close friend, we decided to spend my birthday weekend on Waiheke Island — accessible with a short 45 minute ferry off of Auckland. Waiheke is a gorgeous little island, which reminds me of a tropical Tuscany, covered in lush greenery over the rolling hills dotted with vineyards above the turquoise water bays and coves. It’s fabulous! The main attraction, other than enjoying the beaches and fine dining, is wine tasting. There are over 30 boutique wineries in the 36 square miles, and over our 3 nights on island, we were able to visit seven of them! We ranked them below, from our least favorite to most favorite….
The Catlin's Coast
The deepest south we explored in New Zealand... only 2,600 miles from Antartica! The rugged Catlin's Coast is genuinely an eyeful with the turquoise ocean lined with whitewater, sharp cliffs, and scattered islands. It's worth the windy gravel roads to explore.
The Month Long Road Trip
32 days and 3,000 miles later, we returned our camper van! I'm sort of in disbelief that I just lived an entire month in a vehicle. I had doubted my own stamina to endure such a long time living in a van, feeling confident we would have had to get an Airbnb or at least a motel room a few times to break up the month... Nope! I have survived the month long road trip, loyal to the camper van.
Dozens of Millions of Sheep
After driving past literally thousands of sheep every day, we developed quite an adoration for the fluffy creatures and a yearning to cuddle 'em! Luckily, we stumbled across Smith's Family Farm in Marlborough Sounds where we camped for the night and finally got up, close and personal with the cuties.
Wine Tasting in Marlborough
The Marlborough region on the South Island of New Zealand is a major hotspot for wine. In fact, 80% of New Zealand’s total wine production is in the Marlborough area. So, of course we had to go tasting! We (last minute) booked a four to five hour “medium tour” with Marlborough Wine Tours, stopping at a total of five wineries and even a chocolate factory for the finishing touch.
Exploring Abel Tasman
Everyone told us that Abel Tasman National Park was a must-do / must-see in New Zealand, and I strongly agree! This gorgeous and nearly untouched park spans over dozens of bays of golden sand, 140 sq. miles of lush green bush, crystal turquoise ocean water, and a handful of islands with fur seal pups. We chose to explore both land and sea; first kayaking from Marahau to Anchorage Bay (roughly 4 hours) and then bushwalking/hiking back (12km/8mi - 3 hours). My arms feel like Jell-O as I type this up…
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Yesterday, I completed a 19.4 kilometer (12 miles), seven hour hike over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing! It’s said to be New Zealand’s best day hike and I can see why. It was 1°C / 33°F (!!!) with strong winds, and it is definitely the most difficult hike I’ve ever done. Alarm clock at 4:30 am, meeting for the shuttle at 5:25 am, and starting walking at the crack of dawn 6:30 am. Alpine Crossing complete at 1:30 pm. Gnarly!
Land of the Endless Lefts
On the west coast of the North Island lies Raglan, a sleepy surf town with a old town feeling renown for it's surf. Downtown Raglan is inland set on the harbor, with Wainui Road leading ~ 15 minutes out to Manu Bay and Whale Bay for seemingly endless point breaks. Shaun had been looking forward to coming to Raglan for a long time!
Mount Maunganui Summit Hike
Quick but gorgeous hike up the Mt. Maunganui summit! Roughly 90 minutes roundtrip, with views over the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga peninsula and nearby islands.
First Impressions: Life On The Road
I was nervous to book a camper van for 32 days. Where would I shower? Where will I pee? Will it be cramped? Where will we park for the night?... But today is day 5 and it’s been fabulous so far!
Kia Ora! Introduction to New Zealand
New Zealand! Part 1 of our adventure has ended (Australia) and we're embarking on Part 2 in NZ - starting in Auckland. We only spent 3 days in the cosmopolitan center and we spent a fair amount of time exploring, despite the torrential weather.