February 2026 - NZ Road Trip -

February 2026 - NZ Road Trip - Raglan

After two weeks in Whangarei it was time to say Au Revoir to Christine and the woofs and continue our North Island road trip.

Our next stop was 320km to Raglan in Waikato on the south West side of the north island. Whaingaroa (Raglan) Harbour is a 33 km² tidal lagoon and we set up camp in the central Raglan Holiday Park which gave us easy walking access to town and the harbour beaches for evening strolls.

Raglan is famous for its surfing beaches but we weren't here for that. We were here to climb Mount Karioi. After spending the first day exploring the town (the kiwis seem possessed with coffee), visiting nearby impressive 55m Bridal Veil Falls and watching the surfers, it was time for our climb.

Mt Karioi is a 756m extinct volcano formed 2.4 million years ago. There are 2 ways up - the steeper more scenic Karioi Track or the easier Wairake Track.

Of course we had to choose the Karioi Track. It was a relentless climb with technical rock climbs but it was a beautiful day and we were rewarded with a fantastic view.

Back at the campsite we discovered an 8 day fishing competition had started and our neighbour returned with a boat full of fish.

Fresh snapper for dinner to round off a perfect day.