The black sand beaches and left-hand surf break at Manu Bay draw surfers to this North Island town. Local cafes, art galleries and coastal walks add to its laid-back atmosphere.
Raglan sits on New Zealand's North Island west coast, where black sand beaches meet left-hand surf breaks you might recognize from classic surf films. Drive 45 minutes west from Hamilton and you'll find surfers riding waves at Manu Bay, people hiking up Mount Karioi for views of the coast, and visitors taking photos of the 55-meter Bridal Veil Falls. The town's main street connects espresso bars with surf shops and art galleries, with wind turbines spinning on nearby hills.
Surfing at Raglan’s Famous Waves
Take a lesson at Ngarunui Beach, where instructors teach from caravans parked near the sand. You can rent boards and wetsuits directly on the beach, which has gentle waves for beginners. Southwest of town, experienced surfers ride Manu Bay’s 300-meter left-hand wave that breaks over volcanic rocks. Walk 10 minutes from the parking area to watch surfers at Whale Bay’s steep inside section, or drive to Indicators where waves form faster walls during low tide. Local surf schools suggest visiting between March and May when swells arrive regularly and fewer people crowd the breaks.
Walking Trails and Waterfalls
Start with the short walk to Bridal Veil Falls, where a wooden platform lets you see the full 55-meter drop into a green basin below. If you want a longer hike, the Mount Karioi Track takes you through forests of tawa and ponga ferns to a 756-meter summit. Bring a jacket—the top often sits in clouds, but you might see the Tasman Sea on clear days. Another option is the Te Toto Gorge Track, which passes old stone walls built by Māori settlers before reaching cliffs above the ocean. Mountain bikers can ride the Pipiwharauroa Trail near the Te Uku windfarm or try the rocky paths of Te Ara Kakariki.
Art Galleries and Local History
Walk down Bow Street to see Raglan’s creative side at spots like Jet Collective, where artists display driftwood sculptures and oil paintings of the coast. Check community boards for events like pottery classes or concerts at Yot Club, a venue that hosts bands from Auckland and Wellington. The Raglan Museum sits near the harbor in a glass-walled building, with exhibits about Māori fishing tools and early European farming equipment. In summer evenings, join locals at Raglan Wharf to watch fishing boats unload snapper and tarakihi for the town’s seafood shops.
Water Activities and Wildlife
Launch a kayak or paddleboard from Te Kopua Beach’s protected lagoon to explore Whāingaroa Harbour’s inlets. Guided tours take you through mangrove channels where small shorebirds called dotterels build nests. Between December and March, boat trips might show you orcas swimming near the harbor entrance. From June to July, look for humpback whales passing offshore—sometimes you can spot their spouts from the cliffs near Manu Bay. For more excitement, companies like Raglan Rock lead climbs on sea cliffs and canyon jumps into freshwater pools.
Where to Eat and Sleep
Get coffee at Raglan Roast, a café run by surfers who built their own roasting machine from spare parts. Try the smoked kahawai dip at Ulo’s Kitchen or order the lamb shank pie at Raglan Harbour View Hotel. Sleep in retro train carriages at Solscape Eco Retreat, where some cabins have views stretching to Ngaranui Beach. Reserve ahead during summer—this town of 2,400 fills up with visitors who come for the waves and fiery sunsets over the black sand.
