Raglan is the kind of coastal town that instantly charms you. With its rows of tiny shops, laid-back vibe, and stunning ocean views, it’s easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with this spot on New Zealand’s west coast. Freedom camping here is a dream: you can park your van right in town (in designated spots, of course), wake up to the sound of waves, and stroll to the nearest café for your morning coffee.
But what really sets Raglan apart for vanlifers like me is the incredible network of public facilities. After a year of living in a van across the US, I thought I’d seen it all- taking time to find free camping, showers, bathrooms, and dump stations became second nature. Yet, New Zealand takes it to another level. Here, public toilets are not just everywhere-they’re clean, high-tech, and thoughtfully maintained. Many have electronic doors, automatic locks, and even play music. Locals told me the abundance of toilets is a direct response to past issues with people relieving themselves outdoors, and the solution works: the facilities are spotless and accessible.
And it’s not just toilets. At nearly every beach, you’ll find free, well-maintained barbeque stations-perfect for cooking dinner with a view. Water refill stations are everywhere, too, making it easy to travel sustainably and avoid single-use plastics. Even the showers are free, though sometimes bracingly cold-a small price for such convenience.
It’s hard not to compare this with the US, where public infrastructure often feels like an afterthought. In America, bridges collapse, trains derail, and the energy grid is in desperate need of upgrades. Meanwhile, public amenities lag behind, and basic facilities are often neglected. This isn’t for lack of funding-US taxpayers contribute trillions of dollars each year. So where does all that money go?
The answer, in part, lies with the Pentagon. For five consecutive years, the Department of Defense has failed its annual audit, unable to account for trillions in assets and expenditures. Despite the IRS holding individuals and small businesses to strict standards-with severe penalties for mistakes or failures-the Pentagon’s repeated audit failures have resulted in no meaningful consequences. In 2023, the Pentagon could not account for roughly 61% of its $3.8 trillion in assets, and this lack of accountability has become routine, not the exception. The contrast is stark: while ordinary Americans risk jail time for IRS audit failures, the largest single recipient of taxpayer money gets a pass, year after year.
It’s frustrating to see tax dollars diverted to endless military spending while basic public services-like the ones so abundant in New Zealand-are neglected at home. Why are regulations and audits so punishing for the average person, yet so toothless for those at the top?
With these thoughts swirling, I found solace in Raglan’s simple pleasures: a hot coffee from a local café, the freedom of camping by the sea, and the comfort of knowing that, at least here, public resources are invested where people can actually enjoy them.
Going with Gubs 