The road north feels different. There’s a wildness to it, a sense of space stretching endlessly between the rolling green hills and the vast Pacific horizon. Northland has a way of pulling you into its rhythm, slowing your pulse until you’re moving at the pace of the land itself.
For Hayden from Wyld Peak, this trip to Matauri Bay was more than just another stop on the map. It was a chance to connect with history, with the ocean, and with a kindred spirit whose music is shaped by the very landscapes that inspire us.
At the heart of it all? The Rainbow Warrior Memorial is a place where past and present meet, whispering stories of resistance, loss, and the enduring fight for something greater than ourselves.
Meeting Sim Bastick: A Voice for the Wild
Stepping out of the van, Hayden was greeted by the sound of waves rolling in, the salty air thick with the energy of the ocean. And waiting there, guitar in hand, was Sim Bastick, a musician whose journey is as untamed as the coastline surrounding them.
Sim’s story is one of transformation. In early 2023, feeling a deep pull toward something more, she left behind the constraints of city life in Australia. She sold everything, packed a guitar and two suitcases, and flew to New Zealand, embracing a life of van-dwelling, slow travel, and creative freedom.
Her music is raw, emotive, and deeply connected to nature; it became a soundtrack to this nomadic life. Find Me, her latest album, is a testament to that journey, an exploration of self, solitude, and the landscapes that shape us.
Much like Wyld Peak, Sim’s mission is about more than just what’s seen on the surface. It’s about freedom, self-discovery, and finding purpose in wild places.
The Rainbow Warrior: A Story That Must Be Told
But this trip wasn’t just about music and connection, it was also about remembrance.
At the top of the hill in Matauri Bay stands the Rainbow Warrior Memorial, a sculpted archway facing the sea. It marks the final resting place of the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior, which was sunk in Auckland’s harbor by French secret agents in 1985.
The ship had been on a mission to protest nuclear testing in the Pacific, carrying activists determined to protect the fragile marine environment. But before it could reach its destination, two explosions ripped through its hull, sinking it and killing photographer Fernando Pereira.
The attack was later revealed to be an act of state-sponsored sabotage by the French government, a shocking violation of New Zealand’s sovereignty. The world watched as a small nation stood firm against a nuclear superpower, cementing its identity as a defender of peace and environmental activism.
Today, the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior lies beneath the waters off the Cavalli Islands, transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. But its story remains a powerful reminder of what it means to fight for something bigger than ourselves.
Standing at the memorial, looking out over the endless blue, it was impossible not to feel the weight of that history and the urgency of continuing the fight for wild places and the freedom to explore them.
Why This Journey Matters
Wyld Peak has always been about more than just apparel. It’s about movement, both in the physical sense and in the deeper journey we all take toward self-discovery, resilience, and connection with nature.
Much like Sim’s path, Wyld Peak was built on the belief that the outdoors isn’t just a place; it’s a way of life. Every adventure, every sunrise on the trail, every quiet moment staring out over the ocean, it all adds up to something greater.
It’s why we do what we do. It’s why every purchase from our store helps plant a tree, restoring wild spaces and giving back to the earth. It’s why we design gear, whether it’s a hoodie, a cap, or a beanie, for people who move, explore, and embrace the elements.
And it’s why we connect with people like Sim, because freedom, creativity, and wild places belong together.
Leaving with More Than We Came For
As the sun dipped lower, guitar chords drifted across the beach, blending with the crashing waves. There was no rush, just an unspoken understanding that moments like this are rare.
Matauri Bay had given more than expected: a story of history, purpose, and human resilience. A reminder that whether through music, adventure, or activism, we all have the power to leave a mark.
And sometimes, the best journeys don’t end when you drive away. They linger, etched into the landscapes of the mind, waiting to be revisited the next time the road calls.
Final Thoughts
This journey wasn’t just about visiting a place. It was about connection to history, to nature, to a shared mission of freedom and creativity.
If you’re ever in Northland, take the time to climb the hill at Matauri Bay. Stand at the memorial. Look out over the Pacific. Remember.
And if you’re looking for a soundtrack for your journey, Sim Bastick’s music might just be what you need.
Because some places, some stories, and some songs stay with you long after you’ve left.