Raglan

Travel Guide
Photo provided by The Mighty Waikato
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 ₩107,115 per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
₩107,115
₩123,182 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
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! (59 reviews)
"Great pub"

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024

Raglan Harbour View Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
3.5 out of 5
287 Victoria Street, Hamilton
The price is ₩97,146 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
₩97,146
₩111,718 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"I had a great stsy. The staff were friendly and helpful. The restaurant had friendly efficient staff. My room was clesn and comfortable."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street, Hamilton
The price is ₩126,069 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩126,069
₩146,849 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"I think it felt a little dated, but was clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
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
Hygate Motor Lodge
3 out of 5
299 Ulster Street, Whitiora, Hamilton, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (407 reviews)
"Very good value for money. Helpful and pleasant staff. Room older but clean and roomy, we will definately stay again.... also great central location and parking included"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Hygate Motor Lodge
Quest Hamilton
Quest Hamilton
4 out of 5
51 London Street, Cnr London and Victoria Streets, Hamilton
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (361 reviews)
"Good for overnight stay Be prepared to pay for parking"

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Quest Hamilton
Stanley Apartments
Stanley Apartments
3 out of 5
17 Stanley St, Hamilton, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Claudelands Park and Globox Arena are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (60 reviews)
"Quiet area"

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2024

Stanley Apartments
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

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.