Wander through Raglan’s small, but vibrant, town center with its laid-back ambience, thriving music scene and arty displays and you will have no doubt about the appeal of this once-sleepy town. The surf here is legendary, renowned for both its high quality and its incredible consistency. The locals will happily close shop if the word is out that the perfect left-hander wave is up.
Big swells from the Tasman Sea wrap around the headland and break in a seemingly endless series of waves. This is quite a sight to behold, so it’s worth the 10-minute drive from the town center. Park up at Manu Bay, the first of the three lookout points, and enjoy the spectacle as expert surfers of all ages show their tricks.
Unless you’re a skilled surfer, it’s advisable not to paddle out into the breaks at Raglan. Strong rips, sharp rocks and surfing crowds make for a potentially unpleasant experience. You can book in for a lesson with one of the town’s surf schools at the much safer Ngarunui Beach.
Raglan itself is a draw for a whole range of artists, musicians and “lifestylers” who come to escape the city. You can easily fill an afternoon browsing through galleries and stopping in for a drink at one of the cafés. On the second Sunday of each month, the Old School Arts Centre comes alive with produce growers from around the region. Sample local cheeses, homemade chutneys and fresh organic produce or just go people-watching.
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board and explore the harbor at high tide. Alternatively, go horse riding along the black-sand beaches of the west coast or rent a mountain bike.
Local tour operators offer trips to the surrounding countryside with its steep mountains, dense forests, swift-flowing rivers and deserted beaches.
Raglan is a 45-minute drive west of Hamilton on the North Island of New Zealand. Buses run a few times a day from Hamilton to Raglan, but renting a vehicle is better if you want to explore the surrounding area.
Raglan
Travel Guide
Raglan Harbour View Hotel
14 BOW STREET, Raglan
The price is CA $99 per night from May 1 to May 2
CA $99
CA $115 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this historic inn in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Raglan & District Museum and Old School Arts Centre ...
7.6/10 Good! (55 reviews)
"Cool old pub and accom"
Reviewed on Apr. 16, 2024
Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.
Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (190 reviews)
Raglan Sunny Nook
"Great location, Classic Kiwi Bach, easy walk to town centre and awesome views of the harbour."
Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2024
Sunny Elevated (Puriri West Studio) with sea views
Raglan
Stay at this apartment in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Whale Bay and Manu Bay Nature Reserve are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"This apartment is located in a quiet tranquil position. Host is friendly and helpful"
Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2024
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.
Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (190 reviews)
Raglan Sunny Nook
"Great location, Classic Kiwi Bach, easy walk to town centre and awesome views of the harbour."
Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2024
Sunny Elevated (Puriri West Studio) with sea views
Raglan
Stay at this apartment in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Whale Bay and Manu Bay Nature Reserve are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"This apartment is located in a quiet tranquil position. Host is friendly and helpful"
Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2024
The Big Deck - “the best ocean views in Raglan”
Whale Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Whale Bay and Manu Bay Nature Reserve are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
JUST AMAZING SOO BEAUTIFUL 😍
"The Big Deck is exactly the place for some RNR perfect spot amazing views bach has all you need dated but perfect for that kiwi bach experience by the beach ⛱️ was clean and tidy plenty of space so just perfect for us host was lovely great to communicate with everything went smooth even with a last ..."
Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2024
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Popular places to visit
Manu Bay Nature Reserve
Explore the great outdoors at Manu Bay Nature Reserve, a lovely green space in Raglan. Discover the sunsets and waterfalls in this walkable area.
Raglan Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Raglan at Raglan Golf Club. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
Raglan & District Museum
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Raglan & District Museum during your travels in Raglan. Wander the beaches in this relaxing area.
Things to do
Raglan: Guided Cave Adventure with Glow Worms
CA $124
Per adult
Raglan: Scenic Harbour Sunset Cruise
CA $50
Per adult
Raglan: 2-Hour Surf Lesson
CA $70
Per adult
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience
CA $124
Per adult
Raglan: Karioi Canyoning
CA $116
Per adult
Raglan: Nature Cruise of Raglan Harbour
CA $50
Per adult
Reviews of Raglan
4.3
Top destination