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 harbor 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 Harbour View Hotel
Raglan Harbour View Hotel
2.5 out of 5
14 BOW STREET, Raglan
The price is ¥11,161 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
¥11,161
¥12,835 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (67 reviews)
"It was nice staying there as everything is very close to the accomadation and staff is very friendly"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Raglan Harbour View Hotel
Bow Street Studios
Bow Street Studios
3.5 out of 5
1 Bow St, Raglan, Waikato
The price is ¥19,343 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
¥19,343
¥22,365 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
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! (28 reviews)
"Absolutely perfect location - Raglan great for walking around"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Bow Street Studios
The Gazebo at Ribbonwood Farm
The Gazebo at Ribbonwood Farm
Raglan
The price is ¥17,113 per night from May 9 to May 10
¥17,113
¥22,418 total
includes taxes & fees
May 9 - May 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

The Gazebo at Ribbonwood Farm
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Absolutely perfect location - Raglan great for walking around"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Bow Street Studios
The Gazebo at Ribbonwood Farm
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

The Gazebo at Ribbonwood Farm
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, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
Whaingaroa Whare
"Great place, beautiful surroundings"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Raglan

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

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.