We all know how hard it is to get a girls' trip out of the group chat and into reality. There are schedules to be synced, budgets to be crunched and of course, the question of location.

New research from Booking.com shows that Kiwis aren't just looking for somewhere lush and fun - the majority of us really want to make sure we're making our trips as sustainable as possible.

In fact, the number of New Zealanders who reckon they're being eco-conscious travellers has tripled since 2016, with 90% now indicating they're interested in or have already made sustainable choices when booking a getaway.

Check out the video below for a taste of our Raglan itinerary:

Why is Raglan an eco-friendly destination? 

Well, firstly: He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata - it is the people! Raglan's community is well known for being environmentally friendly, and that's reflected in heaps of the local businesses and the accommodation on offer.

Because it's so beautiful and welcoming, it can get super crowded in the peak summer season, but the locals will love ya if you come during quieter times. Not only does this help with littering, traffic and waste management, but you're likely to get way better prices for your stay, while supporting restaurants and shops when they need it most.

Raglan also happens to be stunning - whether you're tramping through lush bush to see the stunning Bridal Veil Falls, rambling along Ruapuke Beach, or soaking up the waterfront atmosphere at Raglan Wharf, it's free, fun and kind to the planet.

Raglan accommodation

There are so many gorgeous eco-friendly accommodation options in the area, but my girlfriends and I stayed at Raglan Traveller's Rest Coastal Retreat, which was idyllic. The property had everything we needed - including a cold plunge and hot tub, so had we not heard how vibey the town centre was - more on that soon - we'd have had very little reason to leave. 

Each of the three bedrooms has its own luxurious ensuite, and the house has incredible views of the rolling green farmland, cows, and even the ocean. In the summer, there are surfboards and an outdoor shower provided for yet another sustainable activity, but we stayed in the slightly rainy off-season, which isn't a bad shout when you have a roaring fire, wine, a cheese board and games. 

Not to mention, the cost of the accommodation goes way down in the shoulder seasons, making it budget-friendly as well as all the other good stuff. There's a big, beautiful lawn that was perfect for stargazing at night, and you truly feel tucked away from all the hubbub of life, even though the township is less than 20 minutes away.

Eating and shopping in Raglan

Small beachside towns in NZ aren't always known for their incredible cuisine, but I can hand on heart say our dinner at ULO's Kitchen was one of my favourite dining experiences ever. Booking.com's Sustainable Travel Report showed that 72% percent of Kiwis want the money they spend on holiday to go back to the local community, and dining at this family-run gem of a restaurant is a delicious way to do that. 

This place is always packed (so you'd better book ahead!) and it's not hard to see why, with its incredible vibes, colourful 70s interior and stunning Japanese-inspired fusion dishes.

ULO's is part restaurant, part sustainable work of art, with the entire space made from upcycling materials from op-shops and recycling centres. The menus are hand-drawn, and the tables and chairs are beautifully adorned with hand-painted decorations.

Locals bring their dogs, the owner spins vinyl records and Matcha Martinis and Cinnamon Sour cocktails pair perfectly with dishes like yakiniku, ceviche and ramen. 

For brunch, The Shack is hard to beat, with a stunning seasonal menu, great coffee and smiley service, and it's definitely worth dropping in to the Harbour View Hotel for a bowl of hot chippies and a pint.

For a little place, Raglan is packed with beautiful shops - there's handcrafted silver jewellery, design galleries, fashion boutiques and quaint bookshops, not to mention ULO's (yep, from the same family that runs the restaurant), which is a wonderland of vintage clothes, hand-drawn art, records and more.

Raglan somehow manages to be both effortlessly cool and deeply grounded - the kind of place that reminds you that slowing down can actually be the best part of travelling, plus you don't have to break the bank or head halfway around the world. 

You'll leave feeling recharged, reconnected and maybe a little smug knowing your getaway gave back to the community that makes it so great.

Your group chat might be chaotic, but the weekend doesn't have to be - so book the bach, pack your togs and a cute activewear set and prepare your other mates to mute you on Instagram.

Monika and her friends stayed in Raglan courtesy of Booking.com