Raglan Travel Guide

Tourist 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 harbour town a hard place to leave.

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 Harbour View Hotel

Raglan Harbour View Hotel

2.5 out of 5
14 BOW STREET, Raglan
The price is AU$126 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$126
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (76 reviews)
"Check in process was long and didn’t seem very well organised… maybe someone in training?"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Raglan Harbour View Hotel
Raglan Farmhouse, Amazing Sunsets from massive deck, Spa & Pool

Raglan Farmhouse, Amazing Sunsets from massive deck, Spa & Pool

Raglan
Stay at this farm stay in Raglan. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
"Had an amazing stay at the Farmhouse. Chris was super easy to communicate with from start to finish. House had everything we needed and more, amazing views, so much space for the kids and to each have our own rooms, close enough to stroll into town. Spa pool a plus! We will be back, thanks!"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Raglan Farmhouse, Amazing Sunsets from massive deck, Spa & Pool
Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.

Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.

Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (239 reviews)
"Hidden gem"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.
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.
Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.

Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.

Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Old School Arts Centre and Raglan & District Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (239 reviews)
"Hidden gem"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Sunnynook Cottage Sea Views Top Location, walking distance to town.
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"Great location and cozy apt. Excellent ease of access for check in and cute “things to do” from host. Would stay here again!"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Bow Street Studios
Comfortable studio with stunning mountain & ocean views – Your perfect getaway!

Comfortable studio with stunning mountain & ocean views – Your perfect getaway!

Raglan
Stay at this vacation home in Raglan. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Bridal Veil Falls and Ruapuke Beach are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
Weekend get away
"Hubby and I loved our stay here. Farmers ourselves, staying here felt like home away from home. Stunning views, accommodation was perfect for a nice little weekend away. Was actually our 16th wedding Anniversary. So nice to stay somewhere with an actual comfortable bed! Well Done Host on your ..."

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Comfortable studio with stunning mountain & ocean views – Your perfect getaway!
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

Activities

Reviews of Raglan

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
50
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Totally loved our time away at our whanau reunion. was an awesome place too stay in.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great shops and cafes

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really enjoyed it. Beaches lovely, a cool vibe, easy walking, plenty of places to eat and shop

5/5 - Excellent

Sharon

We had dinner at west coast tacos lovely simple food great staff great location and value for moneu

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful little town, has everything - we love it!

5/5 - Excellent

nic

YOU MUST MUST DO THE RAGLAN CANYONING !!! SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE

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