Driving up to the coast and seeing the water for the first time always provides a sense of calm. Whether it's the sea or ocean, whether it has been months or only a few days, I just love that feeling. 

Mike shares my love and, as a surfer, the feeling only intensifies for him if he sees waves in the water. 

After parting ways with Joyce and Arthur, we finally made it to Raglan, a town that was high on our list. Not only are the beaches and bays insanely beautiful, but Raglan is home to one of the longest left in the world. (And in case you're not dating a goofy-footed surfer, that is a very good thing.)

A swell was coming in and the waves were head high to double overhead. Mike crammed three surf sessions into our two night, one day stay, and for one of them I tagged along. Laying outside, watching the surfers in the water, listening to the fluid repetition of waves breaking... it was bliss. I took off my moon boot and soaked in as much vitamin D as I could, finally feeling less like an invalid and more like myself. 

When we weren't at the beach, we were moseying around the chill surf town, enjoying coffees at a sidewalk table on the main street or eating pies in between shopping. It only takes about 20 minutes of walking to see the whole "downtown." But it's cool. Raglan's size matches its vibe. 

I have to mention the fantastic hostel where we stayed. Raglan Waterfront Backpackers is everything our dream hostel should be. It was honestly perfect. Warm and inviting, charged with energy, an adventurous spirit floating in the air, yet relaxed and understated (and not in that trying-to-be, hipster way). Hammocks lined the small courtyard in the middle of one building. Nearby, a retro hot tub bubbled, with a "skinny dipping allowed" sign hanging in the background. 

Oh, and those sunsets?! Come on. If we didn't have the rest of our days in New Zealand planned and booked, we would have stayed in Raglan for a long, long time.