For those of us lucky enough to be able to call Raglan home and even luckier to have so many stunning beaches on our doorstep; there’s nothing better and more cathartic than going for a walk on our sandy shores.The feeling of sand between your toes, the sea breeze in your face and the sun setting after another beautiful spring day seems to wash all your troubles away for a single moment. 

There are a myriad of spots to choose from here in Whaingaroa. Walk down to Ngaranui and join the surfers and families swimming at sunset or start closer to town and explore the quiet solitude of the Wainamu (solitude – unless it’s a good day for kitesurfing, and then you’ll find the sky rainbowed with multicoloured kites.) I think this might be my favourite walk! You start at a very unsuspecting spot- just like any other beach, but turn left and eventually you will turn the corner to be greeted by the beautiful Mt Karioi, gracefully laying there watching over you. This is the thing today, some people walk to get places, some go to get that instashot in a beautiful place, some because they want to exercise and some just because they ‘probably should get out the house for a bit’ – don’t lie, we’ve all been that person at least once in our lives. But the real art of walking and genuinely enjoying it, is to have no destination, no #instagoals, no pressure to exercise or guilt to get out the house. To get onto the sand and be completely present! That’s the feeling that I get turning that corner and seeing Karioi in all her majestic glory! A moment of complete happiness with no ulterior motives! And that is special! 

– Anita, Waterfront Backpackers & Raglan Rock