MATTHEW BENTON

The saxophonist for The Black Seeds enjoys the quiet luxury of the Wairarapa coast.

What was the best thing you saw?

The beautifully secluded and rugged Tora coast for three days last weekend, with my partner Ria and 7-month-old son Mihali.

What was the occasion?

My best friend, Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based drummer/photographer extraordinaire Nick George’s 40th birthday celebration.

Where did you stay?

A place called The Beach House, which was actually two houses right on the coastline cradled beneath some rugged hills. The baches were perfectly Kiwiana with expansive ocean vistas, kitted out with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

What was the best thing you saw?

The best thing I saw was everyone disconnecting from the very current real worries of the world online, and being fully present with each other for the entire weekend.

The best thing you did?

The best thing we did was simply hang out in the fire pit/hammock zone in front of the baches right on the ocean. The fire competing for brilliance with the beauty of the setting sun.

The best thing you ate?

I’m an avid foodie so we were very lucky that the entire weekend was catered to perfection. I would probably have to say the lavishly decadent platter on the first night, with a close second being the pulled beef tacos with all the trimmings.

Did you do any shopping/buy any cool souvenirs?

There were zero shops anywhere nearby, and it was ideal.

Any holiday hiccups/did anything go wrong?

The road turns to gravel for the last half an hour before you arrive with various parts of it washed out by flooding. This made for an intrepid end to the journey.

Share your top travel tip:

My top travel tip is not to head into the first place you see to eat, but to always assess a restaurant/eatery before you commit to it. See who is eating there. Do they look local? How much is the place humming? A solid general assessment of the scene. It never fails.

Where to next?

Next I am lucky enough to be travelling to many of Aotearoa’s summer hot spots with my brothers The Black Seeds. I am especially looking forward to ringing in the new year at NYE23 at Coroglen Tavern. Then onto Japan to experience the cherry blossoms whilst, of course, eating myself silly.

The Black Seeds perform in Kerikeri, Coroglen, Tauranga, Hamilton and Wānaka this summer.