Mahia Peninsula = New Zealand's Hollister Ranch

But without that minor detail of private property with 24 hour armed guards.

We were blown away by the beauty of the place. Rolling hills, Dover-esque white cliffs, and reefy, rocky outcroppings that look like Laguna Beach but with approximately 15 people on the whole Peninsula.

Fact: we did not surf, because the swell wasn't cooperating

Fact: This place tops the list of spots we want to hit on NZ Surf Trip #2.

Why? Let me count the ways.

1. Because if it is onshore at Point Annihilation, it is offshore at the Spit, a 10 minute drive to the other side of the peninsula. And vice versa.

2. There is a spot called Point Annihilation!! And it is a world class right hand point break!!!!

3. There is NOBODY there

4. There are ~10 spots within a 15 minute drive.

Here is Pt Annihilation. Imagine it looking like Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, but with 5 guys in the water...

Here is the Spit, on the opposite side of the peninsula. A fast, barreling left and right. Too small today, but perfect wind.

This is a view of the coast towards Old Man's

And here is the spot that gave me Ranch flashbacks. Right around the corner is the railroad trestle.

Off to Hawke's Bay wine country...