Tropic Thunder

A tropical storm rolls in...

Perhaps one of the strangest elements about New Zealand’s countryside is its constant shifting from British-like plantations and forests, to sudden bursts of tropical environments. Thus far, Raglan remains one of the most tropical overnight stays. 

After visiting an eel farm en route we spent the afternoon on yet another boat. However, this one was smooth-sailing as we glided past some incredible coastal scenery while the rest of the tour group kayaked their way towards the boat. We didn’t because I can’t swim, although the real and undisclosed reason for avoiding all water-based activities is simply “because sharks”. We then spent two nights in the Lava Lounge Hostel, which is actually a complex that’s sat on a mountainside among thick tropical forests, at the top of which there is a viewing point known as Inspiration Point, where you can enjoy a majestic view of the coast from wooden bleachers and a large Yoga platform.

Sian thought I was being funny when I said, "What a view"

While giant cockroaches scurried up and down the walls of our otherwise decent room, Raglan was worth the visit for the views from Inspiration Point alone. That, and from the rocky beach down at the bottom. From the top, we watched as a dark storm filled the horizon and rolled inland within minutes, hammering the site with heavy rainfall. From the beach, we watched a dozen surfers brave the waves under the setting sun.

Much clearer than the previous night

Raglan town – some several miles away – isn’t much to write home about, but its coffee certainly is. Our tour guide recommended Raglan Roast as “the best coffee in New Zealand.” And being a big lover of coffee, he wasn’t wrong. Anyway, I digress. This isn’t a coffee blog, nor is it actually a travel blog. It’s time to start talking to you about film locations, so check out my next post…

Raglan Roast: Best coffee in New Zealand