Auckland to Raglan

30 April - 1 May

Auckland marked the end of most people's trip which ultimately resulted in a night out.  It also gave me the chance to have a catch up with Matt from home.  We worked out that it had been almost 6 years since we'd seen each other let alone hang out.  It was great to see him and what's more, we carried on where we'd left off all those years ago.  The following day was spent hungover.  A day that if I'd been at home, would've been spent in my duvet watching trashy tv or rom coms.  Sadly not possible when you're travelling and living in hostels.  

It was now time for a new bus.  A new bunch of people to get to know.  We started with the 'get to know you' game where our driver (Lefty) asked us all a bunch of questions in a bid to break the ice.  Thankfully we had a pretty good group.  Everyone got on so I knew I was in for an enjoyable couple of days.  Our drive down took us through Hamilton, NZ's fourth largest city but for me it will always be remembered for the cyber talking toilets.  Perhaps best to leave it just there...

From there we headed over the Coromandel Ranges and down into the Waikoto.  Apparently the area is knows to be the most productive dairy farming land in the world.  The town of Raglan isn't particularly large nor that exciting but if you haven't yet been to Australia and discovered surfing or if you have and love it then you'd probably enjoy spending a few days here.  The left hand surf break close to the lodge I stayed in is remoured to be one of the best in the world and features in the film 'The Endless Summer'. 

Next stop: Mourea via Waitomo