Raglan

Travel Guide

Photo provided by The Mighty Waikato
Photo provided by The Mighty Waikato
Photo provided by The Mighty Waikato
Photo by Nishanthi V
Photo by Francesca Altaïr

The best surf in the country, a nice selection of cafés and galleries and a relaxed bohemian feel make this harbour town a hard place to leave.

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 Farmhouse, Amazing Sunsets from massive deck, Spa & Pool

Raglan Farmhouse, Amazing Sunsets from massive deck, Spa & Pool

Raglan
Stay at this farm stay in Raglan. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Friends Reunion
"Great for friends or family meeting up or for an occasion where you want a laidback, bachy feel! We loved the main hangout living room area, great party room!"

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Raglan Farmhouse, Amazing Sunsets from massive deck, Spa & Pool
Bow Street Studios

Bow Street Studios

3.5 out of 5
1 Bow St, Raglan, Waikato
The price is €131 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€131
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Raglan & District Museum and Old ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"Great location."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Bow Street Studios
Cute, tree-wrapped cottage above the harbour

Cute, tree-wrapped cottage above the harbour

Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
"Lovely property with everything you need. Nice views and close to town"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Cute, tree-wrapped cottage above the harbour
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.
Bow Street Studios

Bow Street Studios

3.5 out of 5
1 Bow St, Raglan, Waikato
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Raglan & District Museum and Old ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"Great location."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Bow Street Studios
Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.

Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.

Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (231 reviews)
"Most amazing stay, location incredible house was so lovely and clean, beds very comfortable, warm had everything we needed and more.Thank you for a wonderful weekend"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.
Cute, tree-wrapped cottage above the harbour

Cute, tree-wrapped cottage above the harbour

Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
"Lovely property with everything you need. Nice views and close to town"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Cute, tree-wrapped cottage above the harbour
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.

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