It gets stormy here on the West Coast. When the weather gods are at work, gale force winds, giant swells and pounding surf combine to produce a show more awe-inspiring than anything Hollywood can conjure up.

Raglan is at its most atmospheric in winter. So why not take a break from routine and escape to Waoku Lodge for a few days of windswept beach walks and storm-tossed ocean views? Nothing quite beats the exhilaration of battling it out with the elements before retreating to one of our cosy apartments, where you can watch the weather from a warm window seat or the bubbling sanctuary of the spa pool.

And if you pick the “wrong” days and turn up during a spell of fine weather, you get to experience empty beaches, bluebird days and starry night skies. Wild weather or warm – you just can’t lose. Check availability here.