New Zealand is magic. Visited NZ in ’83 and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, people and surf. Surfed some memorable spots such as ___________ ______ and Raglan.
The surf is better than I could have imagined. Be sure not to miss Raglan, although this is one break that may be crowded (everything is relative since 5-6 people is a crowd in NZ). Raglan is composed of three different breaks that work at different tides. Off the point come long lefts that wrap into a bay. I’m regular foot but loved every minute of it, despite the side shore conditions. Would have love to see it on a glassy day cause the wave held up well enough even in windy conditions.
By chance, we met some other guys from So. Cal at Raglan. Other than a couple of irritated locals responding to our greeting with a “YOU are the crowd” statement, it was no worries. Surfed the place showing respect and in harmony. surfed both Whale Bay and Manu? since I guess they each worked at different tides. Surfed Whale Bay with overhead to double overhead sets, onshore/sideshore wind (I think, it wasn’t offshore). Despite the wind, the place was truly remarkable and I caught a large double overhead set wave from the rock outcropping at the point that drove all the way into the bay before I finally fell off that squirrely 6 ft. Hurley I was on–it was awesome cause that wave still kept grinding into the bay! We all found many more awesome waves.
I also was able to sample _______ . A great spot!. I agree that that whole Taranaki area was productive for me. This area must be pretty consistent for surf. And their is some awesome backpacking close by in a volcanic area. Plenty of cheap camping, awesome scenery, friendly locals, plentiful seafood on the beach.
