SkyCity Hotel to Raglan private car — Javier's conference trip

The Friday morning sun was already working its way over the Auckland skyline as I pulled up to the SkyCity Hotel. I always liked that time of day, the city just starting to stretch after a busy week. My passenger today was Javier G, travelling from Spain. He was in Auckland for a conference, but he’d managed to carve out a Friday afternoon to visit Raglan. I’d heard a lot about Raglan, of course – the surf, the relaxed vibe, the black sand beaches. It’s one of those iconic Kiwi spots I usually only get to punt a tourist towards, but today I was the driver, and the destination.

Javier was upfront, exactly as arranged. He had a neat holdall, not much else, suggesting he was travelling light. He gave me a smile and a nod as he settled into the back seat. We exchanged pleasantries, the usual brief chat about the weather and the plan for the day. He seemed pleased to be getting out of the city, and I couldn’t blame him. Auckland’s great, but a change of scenery is often the whole point of a day trip like this.

We headed south out of the city, leaving the urban sprawl behind us. We took the Southern Motorway, SH1, and soon the buildings thinned out, replaced by rolling green hills dotted with sheep. It’s a view that never really gets old for me, even after all these years. It’s the essence of the North Island countryside.

Javier mentioned that he’d been to Spain himself, in the Basque Country, and he found the rolling hills and fertile land reminded him a bit of parts of his homeland. He was particularly taken with how lush everything was, even at this time of year. He spoke about his work in the tech industry, the conference he was attending, and how he’d sought out Raglan specifically for its connection to surfing, even though he himself wasn’t a surfer. He explained that the global reputation of Raglan’s waves preceded it, and he wanted to see the place firsthand, to soak in the atmosphere. He’d read about the unique black sand, a direct result of the local volcanic rock, and was curious to experience that too.

We continued on SH1 past the Bombay Hills, then turned off onto SH23 towards Raglan. The air started to feel different, a hint of salt mixed with the earthy scent of the land. The roads became narrower, winding through pockets of native bush and past small farms. I like taking this route; it gives a better sense of the journey, a gradual transition from city to coast. Javier seemed to appreciate it, too, pointing out different things along the way, his camera appearing occasionally for a quick shot.

As we approached Raglan town, the vibe shifted. You could feel it. The pace slowed, the buildings became lower, more spread out. There was a definite bohemian, laid-back feel about the place. Lots of art galleries, surf shops, quirky cafes. I parked near the main beach, Manu Bay, the iconic lookout point visible from the carpark. Even on a Friday afternoon, not a massive swell, but you could see the long, rolling lines of waves out on the horizon that Raglan is famous for. A few hardy souls were already out, paddling patiently, waiting for their moment.

Javier got out of the car, breathing in the sea air. He was genuinely excited. He walked down towards the beach, taking it all in. He mentioned that he’d seen pictures of Manu Bay, and it was even more impressive in person. He talked about the challenge of getting to the point break, the paddle out that some surfers described as an epic journey in itself. He was still contemplating the idea of trying a lesson next time he was in New Zealand, perhaps with more time to dedicate to it.

We spent a little while just taking in the view from the carpark. The black sand was striking, a deep, rich colour contrasted against the white foam of the waves. It’s a very dramatic coastline. Javier told me about his home region in Spain, the coastal towns and the different kind of beaches there, more golden sands and Mediterranean waters. He found the stark beauty of Raglan quite captivating, a different kind of coastal experience altogether.

After a good half-hour of him exploring the immediate vicinity of the lookout, taking photos and just absorbing the atmosphere, we headed back towards the car. He had a relaxed smile on his face, clearly content with his visit. The quick trip had given him exactly what he was looking for – a glimpse into a different side of New Zealand, away from the business of the city and the conference halls.

On the drive back, Javier shared more about his impressions of New Zealand. He spoke about the friendliness of the people he'd encountered and the stunning natural beauty that seemed to be around every corner. He contrasted it with the pace of life in European cities and found the balance here very appealing. He’d been particularly taken by the clarity of the light and the vividness of the greens. He was planning a longer trip to explore more of the North Island before he headed home.

As we drove back into Auckland as dusk began to settle, the city lights started to twinkle. I dropped Javier back at his hotel, the SkyCity. He thanked me, saying it had been a perfect way to break up his conference schedule and see a piece of authentic New Zealand. It’s always rewarding when a trip like that lands well, when you can see the satisfaction on a passenger’s face. It was a good day, a reminder of why I love driving this route, sharing the different landscapes and experiences that the North Island has to offer.