Intro

Raglan

Situated on the West Coast west of Hamilton is the chilled out destination of Raglan. World famous for it’s surfing this quiet little town is one relaxing place. Don’t expect to find too much to do in Raglan but if you feel like you need a complete break then this is a great spot. Alternatively a short drive away you will find plenty to keep you occupied.

Highlights

• Surfing
• Chilling
• Sunsets
• Waterfalls
• And maybe even some hotpools for those who look! (nearby at Kawhia)

Travel times:

It is just over two hours to Raglan from Auckland. You could race down to Raglan for the day but it is such a chilled out place that to really pick up the vibe you need to slow down – so stay a night and experience the real Raglan.

Don’t forget

• To take a good book – Raglan is made for relaxation.
• If you can try and be at Raglan for a surf competition – it is a pretty awesome spectacle. www.surfingnz.co.nz/snz_calender.html

 

Stay/Eat/Drink

Accommodation

There is a variety of other places to stay including backpackers and camping grounds. One we like is situated just 15 minutes from the beach YHA Raglan Solscape Eco Retreat is a sweet spot. They have a selection of accommodation options ranging from tents to cottages. Our favourite is the cabooses – which are converted railway carriages. Or why not try one of their new Tipi’s. Solscape also offers surf lessons and board hire. To get to Solscape turn left (at the end of town) onto Wainui Road and drive for approximately 6 kilometres until you see the blue Solscape signs on the left hand side of the road.
 
Food and drink

Raglan has shops, cafes and restaurants so you will be able to find everything you need in town. Fish and chips on the beach while the sunsets is nice.
 

What to DO

Now you are here you can relax – alternatively here are a few things you might want to consider doing (if you can be bothered of course). 

 

 

 

 

• Explore the beaches – Manu Bay and Whale Bay are the main surfing breaks, slightly closer to town Ocean Beach also has waves. Near Raglan itself are safe estuary beaches which are good for swimming at high tide.

• Go surfing! - Manu Bay and Whale Bay have some of the best surf in NZ – but be warned this is no place for the novice. The best wave riders in the world come to this place so be careful.
   
• Hang out in Raglan town – chill at a café or cruise down to the fishing jetty.
   
• There are a couple of steep peaks to climb in the area. Mt Pirongia (959 m) is a long hard climb and only recommended for keen, fit or crazy people. The usual access is off Corcoran Road. Head back towards Hamilton on highway 23 and turn right at Whatawhata. There is also a hut up here if you want to stay the night. The closer, and smaller, Mt Karioi (756 m) is also a reasonably serious undertaking (2 hours up to a lookout and 3 hours to the top) – continue south along the coast from Raglan and look out for the Te Toto track. The shorter Te Toto gorge track heads down to the coast from the other side of the road.
   
• A short walk near Te Mata South of Raglan (you need to drive there) takes you to the 55 metre Bridal Veil Falls. This is a good spot.
   
• Raglan also offers kayaking, horse trekking and a surf school.
   
• Tune into Raglan Radio (98.1 FM) and relax.

GO (further)

If you want more adventure then try the following:

• If you feel like a mission drive south to Kawhia, drive through the town and follow the road out to Ocean beach. Park your car at the end of the road and walk over the sand dunes to the beach – 2 hours before and after low tide you will find natural hot water flowing just below the sand (you have to dig for it). These hot springs (called Te Puia) are similar to the ones at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel but better because there are no crowds. A number of people have been here and not found the pools - hence it is an adventure...
• Alternatively if you are heading to Auckland and don't want to go back the same way you came down follow the road North just after Te Uku. Be warned this is a slow road and is not suitable for those who get car sick.
• If you haven’t seen Hamilton then it is close by. 

Images

 
 

We are waiting for your cool pictures of Raglan - send us some (please)

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