|
|
|
|
Significant
time off is the only prerequisite
needed to travel to the other side
of the world. Since the seasons are
reversed, it's also a great way to
get rid of the winter blues. When
my travelling companions: my sister
(a non-surfer) and a cool low-key
guy both said "why not",
the plan was set into motion. By choosing
the North Island of New Zealand, we
were looking forward to the sunshine
and the toilet bowls flushing in reverse.
(The South Island has surfing, skiing,
snowboarding, alpine hiking and other
cool weather activities.)
|
Rembering
'Endless Summer', Raglan is definitely
the prime spot for surfers. It's only
a few hours south of Auckland, so
you can fly in and get to the beach
all in the first day if you choose.
Raglan greeted us with beautiful overhead
peeling lines, black sand, and warm
showers. Since there are literally
hundreds of surf spots we wanted to
venture off. With a little creativity
and navigation skills, we followed
the rental car map and surf report.
During our travels, we experienced
everything from flat to overhead,
glassy to choppy, resort summer towns
to happening beach communities. Travelling
to the other side of the island takes
a few hours. Sunreises, sunsets, or
both, it's your choice. It's easy
to get into the groove, enjoy the
scenic mountain views and surf the
waves on black or white sand beaches
or point breaks. The North Island
is perfect for sun seekers even thought
the water calls for a spring suit,
unless you have thick skin.
|
 |
|
Of
course, surfing was the number one
priority, but second was the opportunity
to experience the culture. We wondered,
"How could this place be so self-sufficient
and how can a spider be the only thing
that can kill you?" (Which, by
the way, everyone we asked had never
seven seen the spider.) For a moderate
fee, a European style rental car or
microbus is the best mode of transportation.
Every campground is loaded with great
accommodations. If you travelled alson,
hostels are dollars a day. Self-proclaimed
chefs can cook meals in the community
kitchens. This allows for travelling
on a shoe-string budget. There are
fabulous cafes and restaurants and
hotels (if camping and eating gruel
is not your thing).
|
| The
Maori Indians leave hints of how life
used to be before the Europeans settled
all throughout the island. Consider
visiting the Treaty House or getting
a traditional Maori tattoo. Other
outdoor activities we participated
in were: Black Water Rafting (Cave
Rafting), seeing rugby matches, visiting
museums, old churches, monuments,
gorges and seeking out volcanic activity
on various beaches. Visit the information
office in each city and you'll quickly
learn that New Zealand has a lot ot
offer. The Kiwi's offer expertise
and hospitality and you will probably
not meet a surfing stranger.
|
|
|
|
