Raglan is only 45 kilometres from Hamilton, yet it feels like you are in a far flung corner of the country, forgotten by the masses but enjoyed by a few. There is a low but significant range of hills which stretches along the edge of the flat Waikato farmland. This range separates the coastal communities of this area from the interior of the North Island. The road which crosses this range at its highest point is known and The Deviation, locally called the ‘divvy’. At this point it is not only the crossing of a physical barrier that you sense, but also that of a psychological one. Leaving Hamilton, it is a relatively flat to low undulating urbanised terrain, which gives way to ‘lifestyle blocks’, known in other countries as ‘hobby farms’, all compressed in to an uncomfortable example of urban sprawl. Crossing the divvy travelling towards Raglan sees an increase in native forests and streams, with larger agricultural areas lush with green pastures year round. Finally, this all falls in to the Tasman Sea with some extravagantly contrasting dramatic and serene scenery. Arriving in Raglan brings a deep breath, and respite from the rest of the world is inevitable as the overwhelming sense of arriving in a nurturing and welcoming place takes hold. Wooden cottages are strewn around the harbour and in to the hinterland. Friendly locals, an eclectic mix of hippies, surfers, fishermen and travellers all nod and wave as if you are lifelong friends and neighbours. It is a perfect match of scenery, lifestyle and serenity and one which I feel fortunate to have landed in.
