Wander through Raglan’s small, but vibrant, town centre 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 centre. 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 harbour 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
Tourist Guide
Visit Raglan
Raglan Harbour View Hotel
14 BOW STREET, Raglan
The price is ฿2,527 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
฿2,527
฿2,906 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this historic inn in Raglan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Raglan & District Museum and Old School Arts Centre ...
7.4/10 Good! (60 reviews)
"The iconic landmark in my favourite hangout still is the HVH!!!"
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2024
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
287 Victoria Street, Hamilton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,451 per night from 29 Dec to 30 Dec
฿2,451
฿2,818 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Dec - 30 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great room , comfortable bed, good shower, excellent location . Very good staff always more than willing to assist ."
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2024
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
23 Clarence Street, Hamilton
The price is ฿2,651 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
฿2,651
฿3,053 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Visiting Doctors. Great for what I need. Walk to Restaurants and Casino."
Reviewed on 20 Dec 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.
Hygate Motor Lodge
299 Ulster Street, Whitiora, Hamilton, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (422 reviews)
"Really nice place for a night away."
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2024
Quest Hamilton
51 London Street, Cnr London and Victoria Streets, Hamilton
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (365 reviews)
"Great location, bright and roomy studio room"
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024
Holiday Room in Chartwell
6 Winstone Ave, Hamilton, Waikato
Stay at this holiday home in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Claudelands Park and Globox Arena are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (59 reviews)
"Great place to stay, great value for your money."
Reviewed on 17 Nov 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
Raglan Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Raglan at Raglan Golf Club. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
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 & District Museum
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Raglan & District Museum in Raglan. Wander the beaches in this relaxing area.
Things to do
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience
฿2,988
per adult
Raglan: Lunchtime Cruise of Raglan Harbour
฿1,304
per adult
Raglan: Karioi Canyoning
฿2,788
per adult
Raglan: Guided Cave Adventure with Glow Worms
฿2,988
per adult
Raglan: Group Surf Lesson
฿1,885
per adult
Raglan: Scenic Harbour Sunset Cruise
฿1,304
per adult