Café Surf Club 45 Has More Than the WOW Factor!

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

It’s January 2012 and we’ve just driven into the small west coast North Island town of Opunake.

Immediately my eyes are drawn to the signs on the shops … they are unusual because many of them are packed with illustrations… then I spy a mural, and another one, they are small, but it’s clear that this town has embraced the visual art of decorative wall painting and I’m loving it.

I’m  ”ooh-ing  and aahing”  as we drive down the street and I know Himself well enough to know he’s hoping we don’t have to stop and photograph all of them because if that’s the case there’s enough here to keep me busy for weeks.

All of the sudden though, it’s clear that we do need to stop and take some photos.  Surf Lodge Cafe 45 is certainly a jaw-dropping piece of artwork… a stunning  tag art extravaganza.

There are many Maori motif designs, clearly based on local Maori connections… Mount Taranaki is also depicted within the design. Prepare yourself for a striking visual assault that’s as captivating as it is colourful!

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

When we entered town we started to see signs of colour…

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

A sign and sentiment I totally agree with…

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

The back to the surf café detail…

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)