My first stop in the north island after flying into Auckland was Raglan. After leaving Australia it was nice to be back in a relaxed surfing town. Raglan is the most popular surf town of the few surf towns in New Zealand; Raglan has been able to maintain its style and reputation for surfing. Raglan’s left hand surf break at Manu Bay is believed to be one of the best surf breaks in the world and was even featured in the surf film The Endless Summer.
When I was in Raglan there were numerous water based competitions going on. The first was a local paddling competition happening at Raglan’s Bay and the second was a surfing competition at Manu Bay. It is no surprise that I have found myself in a town focused around the sea. I enjoyed watching the competitions throughout the day and just being close to the sea. I especially enjoyed watching the surfers ride the left hand surf break right to the beautiful beach.
Although I didn’t have a lot of time in Raglan it was long enough for me to be able to satisfy my yearning to be back by the ocean. I hadn’t been by the sea since I was on the west coast of the south island midway through my south island tour. Sitting by the ocean with the fresh sea air flowing through my hair, while cooling my skin rekindled my connection with New Zealand. The smell of the ocean in the air made me stop for a moment and take a deep breath to appreciate living in the moment. Enjoying a fresh baked pie mid-day has become my favorite go to meal in Australia and New Zealand, especially when enjoyed by the coast. A pie is the perfect picnic. My day ended by watching the sun set over Whale Bay from Inspiration Point on Mount Karioi at the Karioi Lodge. Arriving in Raglan was the perfect welcome to the north island. I couldn’t have planned a better day myself for starting my tour of the north island in New Zealand. Stray brought me, a lover of the sea, to the perfect place for my first day on the north island.
Turquoise Compass Wellness 
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I am enjoying the travels on Turquoise Compass – we will be do some more travelling once we have moved house again – but lovely to see through the lens and words of these guys.
Thanks so much for re-blogging my post! I’m glad you are enjoying my journey. I look forward to your own travel posts once you are in your new house. I am one woman on a mission.
Somewhere for me to visit that is not too far away. A+ surf trip guidance. Thanks Jess x.
There you go! A must see turquoise bucket list destination for you to surf, which is also near you. I hope you make it there soon.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Amazing photo shots.
Thank you so much. I was happy to have visited this surfing town! There is something about being in a surfing town–they each have a relaxed atmosphere. Are there surfing towns in Thailand?
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Of World’s 50 best surf spots: NR46: Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand. You can actually surf in Thailand and though it’s not a world-class spot, its included it in the list due to its fascinating location. Where else can you surf in warm opaque waters, eat fresh pad Thai in the street and dive into the raucous nightlife after your surfing session.
Great, thanks for the information. Do surfers need to worry about coral when surfing in Thailand? Yes, it appears to be an interesting location! I’d love to visit sometime. Sounds perfect to me!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Hi not sure seem to be mixed. but the West Coast Side of Phuket is the Surfing Side. here is some more info: http://www.phuket.com/sports/surfing.htm
Thanks so much for the info.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
the water is a beautiful…. blue 😉
Of course…turquoise blue. I love it! I’m entranced and drawn to the ocean. No matter where I am I will find it.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
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