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
Visit Raglan

The Gazebo at Ribbonwood Farm
Raglan
The price is ¥16,445 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥16,445
¥21,543 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this cabin in Raglan. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Awesome views
"Loved our Stay, nice and quiet. Loved the privacy."
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025

Raglan Harbour View Hotel
14 BOW STREET, Raglan
The price is ¥10,725 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥10,725
¥12,334 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Book a 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (66 reviews)
"It was nice staying there as everything is very close to the accomadation and staff is very friendly"
Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Bow Street Studios
1 Bow St, Raglan, Waikato
The price is ¥19,363 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
¥19,363
¥22,267 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"LOVED this place! Would highly recommend to anyone. Right near the water, walkable to mostly everything. Spacious. Cute town too!"
Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025
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.

The Gazebo at Ribbonwood Farm
Raglan
Stay at this cabin in Raglan. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Awesome views
"Loved our Stay, nice and quiet. Loved the privacy."
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025

Bow Street Studios
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"LOVED this place! Would highly recommend to anyone. Right near the water, walkable to mostly everything. Spacious. Cute town too!"
Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.
Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (217 reviews)
So Homey
"Fab location and relaxing cottage. Very clean and comfy. Would stay again."
Reviewed on Mar 3, 2025
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 & 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.
Raglan Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Raglan at Raglan Golf Club. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
Things to do

Raglan: Guided Cave Adventure with Glow Worms
¥12,252
per adult
Reviews of Raglan
4.8
Top Destination
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
This is a very small non tourist town. Not a whole lot of eating options so don’t expect much. The sunsets are amazing though.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Stayed a extra night. Beautiful area in a relaxing town.