Raglan - North Island, New Zealand

Raglan, located 48 kms west of Hamilton and home of the beautiful large Raglan Harbour, is a popular destination for tourists. There is a sizeable arts and crafts community.

The significant presence of a surfing community here is due to the left hand breaks, some of the best in the world. Raglan is presided over by the impressive Mt Kairoi to the south. The original Maori name is Whaingaroa (the long pursuit) and it was later renamed Raglan.

Bow St is the main centre of activity in Raglan. It contains several restaurants and art and craft shops. The west end of the street meets the harbour with a footbridge leading to the campsite and a beach designated for safe swimming.

Raglan Accommodation

The visitor centre has great local information apart from being the destination where passengers into Raglan alight from buses. Raglan provides excellent accommodation choices to suit everyone's budget.

The Raglan Museum on Wainui Road has a good local history collection, mostly European. The Harbour Hotel is an impressive landmark overlooking both Bow St and Wainui Rd. There are good value harbour cruises on which you can see rock formations, historic sites and birdlife.

Raglan Activities

Limestone Experience is the pick of the guided kayak tours. Te Kopua is the safest swimming beach in the heart of the town with access from Bow St.

Ocean Beach, just outside Raglan, has great views of the bar that extends across the harbour as well as being a great family picnic spot.

Raglan has a large floating population and to cater to this stream of visitors, it has decent eating options in cafes and restaurants mostly in the area of Bow and Wainui streets.

Raglan's claim to fame is being New Zealand's true blue ultimate surfing destination. It is well known in international surfing circles for its left hand breaks. If you are a beginner, Ngarunui Beach, 5 kms out of Raglan, is the best place to start.

For experienced surfers, Manu Bay and Whale Bay about 8 kilometres from Raglan provide surfing nirvana. There are surfing lessons offered as a package with 2 nights accommodation included. Surfing gear is available for hire.

Raglan offers a bevy of exciting activities. The summit of Mt Kairoi to the south of Raglan provides stunning views of the mouth of the Raglan Harbour and the coast beyond.

The summit can be reached by the Te Toto track, an 8 km trek taking 5 to 6 hours. Further down this coast, Ruapuke has some great horse riding trips on a private farm and on to the Ruapuke Beach.

About 23 kilometres southeast of Raglan, an easy walk from Kawhia Road leads to the Bridal Veil Falls, a 55 metre waterfall plummeting down a sheer rock face into a green pool below.

LooknbookNZ can arrange your Raglan accommodation and Raglan activities so that you and your family can have a wonderful time in this cool seaside town loaded with action, fun and entertainment.