Raglan is a small coastal town on the west coast of the North Island in New Zealand. Only a short drive away from Hamilton and less than 2 hours from Auckland, this bustling surf town has an abundance of fun things to do right in town and the surrounding areas.
Being a popular beach town with locals from the surrounding areas, Raglan gets plenty of visitors keen to check out all the things to do, especially through the summer season. However, due to it being more popular with Kiwis rather than international tourists, Raglan still has an authentic New Zealand beach town feel with the added bonus of a wide selection of things to do.
What is Raglan Known for?
Raglan is most well known for its popular surf beaches and awesome things to do in and around town. Kiwi’s and tourists alike, love to visit the area in summer when they can really make the most of the warm weather.
Being a west coast beach the surf here is fantastic and Raglan is often called one of the best surf spots in New Zealand. In peak season, lifeguards are also on duty to ensure everyones safety while enjoying the waves.
For those wanting a break from the beach, there is a massive amount of fun things to do in Raglan and surrounding areas. There is everything from adrenalin filled rock climbing to nature walks and cute coffee shops.
Raglan truely does have something for everyone!
The Best Things to do in Raglan
So what are some of the best things to do in Raglan? With so many options it is hard to choose which ones to fit in. Below are some of the many epic things to do in Raglan.
Which will you choose?
1. Visit Ngarunui Beach – the Most Popular Thing to do in Raglan
The main beach in Raglan is Ngarunui Beach and is located just a 10 minute drive from the main town. A day trip to this beach is one of the best things to do in Raglan. Being a west coast beach the waves here are quite large making it a great surf spot.
The best spot to swim on the beach is directly down from the main carpark. Follow the track down the hill and you will end up in the right place. This is also where lifeguards are on duty in peak times.
The main beach area is covered in black sand and stretches all the way up to the estuary so there is plenty of space to to lay down and relax. There are no trees and therefore no shade along the beach so make sure you are prepared.
A visit to Ngarunui Beach is a must do of all the things to do in Raglan. This beach is what makes the town so popular.
2. Hike Mt Karioi
Raglan has many popular walks to explore. Mt Karioi is the most popular full day walk in the area. Starting at the Te Toto Gorge lookout, the track takes you up into the hills right up to the top of Mt Karioi, experiencing the beauty of the surrounding native bush.
The first section of the walk goes up an exposed grassy hill. This part can get very hot and it will take a while before you get up to the trees for shelter. The rest of the walk continues along an undulating track all the way to the lookout at the top of Mt Karioi.
At the top there is a concrete helicopter pad used as a lookout and to have a break and take in the view before heading back down. The views from here look out over the Waikato region as far as the eye can see. On a sunny day Mt Taranaki can even been seen in the distance.
The walk up Mt Karioi is quite difficult as a lot of the track is all uphill. There is also a few steep sections where climbing up with chains is required to get up a small cliff. So if you are looking for something to do in Raglan that provides a bit of a challenge, then hiking Mt Karioi is the thing to do.
3. Kayak to the Pancake Rocks
The Pancake Rocks are a bit of a hidden gem in Raglan and kayaking out to them is a great thing to do on a calm day. Bring along your own kayak or hire one from town, and explore at your own pace.
The reason behind the name Pancake Rocks is because the way the rocks have formed they look like stacks of pancakes.
The paddle from town is about 900 meters across the estuary. The rocky section is visible from the other side and is almost directly opposite town. It is very easy to find the Pancake Rocks on your own but if you do hire a kayak from town, staff will tell you where to go.
Paddle up to the small beach and make your way around all the rock formations as you explore the area. You can also make your way up the estuary a bit more and see what you can find.
4. Explore town
The main town in Raglan is very much a little surf town vibe. While the town is small it is always lively and full with holidayers and beach goers.
There are plenty of surf shops, cute little cafes and stylish clothing stores to spend time enjoying. The surfy, hippie feel of the town ensures there is no need to rush around and encourages people to take time and relax.
There is one main road in town with a few small side roads and alleyways leading off it. Most of the popular spots are on this main road, but there are many hidden gems in the quieter areas as well.
Exploring town is a great thing to do if the weather is not the greatest in Raglan. Hop between the shops and cafes while avoiding the rain and feel like you haven’t lost a day due to the bad weather.
5. Learn to Surf – Must do thing to do in Raglan
One of the most popular things to do in Raglan is learning how to surf. The main beach Ngarunui is a great place for beginners with a few different surf school running lessons here.
Booking a surf lesson is essential for those who have never surfed before. You will learn all about how to get ready, practice how to get up on the board and then head down to the water to give it a go.
If you have done a surf lesson before then hiring a board out yourself to practice is another good option. Boards can either be hired form in town or sometimes in the carpark at the beach. Be cautious of your surroundings if you choose this option as Ngarunui beach is known for having strong rips and currents.
Don’t skip on this awesome opportunity to try one of the best things to do in Raglan. There are not a lot of beaches as good as Ngarunui to learn to surf at.
6. Walk to Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil falls is a magnificent 55 meter water fall located a 15 minute drive from Raglan and a great thing to do for a day trip. The waterfall and its stunning surroundings makes it feel like the middle of no where in the New Zealand bush.
A visit to Bridal Veil Falls is very accessible for the first part of the walk. It is a flat, 10 minute walk to the lookout at the top of the falls. The track is well maintained and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see the falls from a different angle, follow the track down a large set of stairs that go all the way to the bottom of the waterfall. There are a few different view points on the way down to stop and look at too.
Unfortunately you can’t swim at Bridal Veil Falls but the views from all parts of the track still make it one of the best things to do in Raglan.
7. Watch the sunset
Being a west coast beach, Raglan is a local favourite for watching the sunset and one of the things to do while you are in the area.
There are a few good spots to watch the sunset from. The most popular would be to go down to Ngarunui beach. Here, the sun sets right behind the ocean with views directly out from the beach. This gives you that popular beach sunset look.
Other popular spots include the harbour and Te Toto Gorge lookout. All of these places will give stunning views of the sunset and all the bright colours on display. Make sure to get there a while before sunset so you can enjoy the sky changing colours, going from golden hour into sunset.
Watching the sunset from any of these spots is one of those things to do that you can’t miss while in Raglan.
8. Te Toto Gorge Lookout
Te Toto Gorge Lookout has some of the best views in Raglan and is a great thing to do on a sunny day. The track to the lookout is only a few minutes walk and is accessible for almost any one.
From Te Toto Gorge lookout you will get views right up the coastline and down into the gorge. The Gorge is full with many native tree species and contrasts perfectly with the bright blue water from the Tasman Sea.
You can explore more of the Gorge by doing the extended walk with takes 30 minutes one way. This track goes down into the Te Toto Gorge where you can get a close up view of the once thriving Māori gardens.
Car parks are available in the same carpark as the Mt Karioi walk. This can be found along Whaanga Road.
Add Te Toto Gorge Lookout to to your list of things to do in Raglan and be blown away by one of the best views in the Waikato.
9. Visit Manu Bay – best thing for experienced surfers to do in Raglan
Looking for the best surf spot in Raglan, then a visit to Manu Bay should be at the top of your list. If you are a surfer yourself or just want want to enjoy watching others out catching the waves, Manu Bay is the ideal spot.
Located just a short drive out of Raglan, Manu Bay is by far the most popular point break in the area for surfers. Point breaks are long, well formed waves that occur when swells hit the headland and run along the coastline of the bay. These are often considered perfect waves.
There is a large car cark as well as bathrooms and picnic tables for public use at Manu Bay. This spot is also popular for surf competitions and there are often many events held here throughout the year.
A visit to Manu Bay is one thing anyone can do to get into the surfer vibe of the town. Whether you stay on the beach or head out into the water, make sure to check it out on your next trip to raglan.
10. Horse Riding at Ruapuke Beach
For those wanting something more to do on the adventurous side, head to Ruapuke Beach just south of Raglan to go horse riding.
Wild Coast Horse Treks offer treks through some of the best landscapes around Raglan. Starting on the farm you will adventure up to Mt Karioi, through stunning native bush and streams before heading down to Ruapuke Beach to get in the water.
While these treks are classed as adventurous, novice riders are more than welcome and treks can be adjusted to suit everyone. They also have a variety of horses for riders with lots of experience to those with none at all.
Wild Coast Horse Treks is a great alternative to water activities for things to do in Raglan. It gives a unique experience will leave lasting memories of the fun times spent in Raglan.
11. Harbour sunset cruise – best family friendly thing to do in Raglan
Want to see Raglan from a different angle? Then a sunset cruise in the Whaingaroa Harbour might be the perfect thing to do. Starting at the Raglan wharf, you will cruise out into the harbour to check out the beautiful surrounding nature and catch the perfect sunset.
Spot wildlife, see the Pancake Rocks and the enjoy the stunning coastline over this 90 minute cruise. There is also commentary on board to provide information and insights about the surrounding area and its history.
Of course the star of the show is the golden sunset. The cruise is timed perfectly to make its way to the end of the harbour just as the sun is setting. Guest are given time to take in the magnificent surrounding reflecting the golden light before heading back down the harbour to town.
12. Go adventuring with Raglan Rock
Raglan Rock is an outdoor adventure company that offers a wide range of tours and activities in and around Raglan. Choose from rock climbing, caving, canyoning or sea kayaking and spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes.
The multiple tours on offer ensure that anyone can choose an experience that is right for them. There is everything from advanced rock climbing courses to family friendly caving tours.
Raglan Rock have been operating since 2012 and have become one of the most popular tour providers in Raglan. The trusted guides ensure each visitor gets the most out of the chosen activity, making it an experience not to forget.
Add Raglan Rock to your list of things to do while visiting Raglan and join in on the adventure.
13. Wainui Bush Reserve
A walk through the Wainui Bush Reserve is one of the least known things to do in Raglan. The reserve is located on the cliff above Ngarunui Beach and weaves through stunning native bush while looking out to the sea and up the coastline.
Wainui Bush Reserve has many bush walks and farm tracks to explore. Head up to the trig point for an awesome lookout or wander through the bush loop and spot all the wildlife.
Parking for the Wainui Bush Reserve is the same car park that is used for the beach so to make sure to get there early in peak season.
Relaxing things to do like a walk in the Wainui Bush Reserve is a great way to escape from the crowds in Raglan while still getting to make the most of what this stunning beach town has to offer.
14. Coffee at a local cafe
One of the most simple things to do in Raglan is to enjoy a delicious coffee at a local cafe. Due to the relaxed vibe of the town, cafes are extremely popular and the coffee is of high quality.
Most of the best cafes around town have large indoor and outdoor seating areas to sit and enjoy a coffee or food. However, there are also some really good coffee stalls that are highly rated.
If sitting down is not really your thing grab a coffee to go and have a wander around the town.
Raglan has such a good vibe to it that simply grabbing a coffee and enjoying the surroundings is a great thing to do in itself. There are plenty of cafes to choose from and finding your favourite is all part of the fun.
15. Walk along the Harbour
Enjoying a relaxing walk along the harbour is another great thing to do while in Raglan. This walk starts right in town and continues all the way up the harbour until reaching the ocean.
After crossing over the bridge from town, head down onto the sand banks by the skate park. From here the walk makes its way all the way up to the beach along the sand.
Due to the walk being on sand this walk is best done at a lower tide, however, there will still be a small sand strip to walk on even when it is high tide. Look out for unique shells and wildlife on this 3 kilometre walk to the rugged surf beach.
A walk along the harbour is one of the best things to do in the late evening in Raglan as you can watch the sunset on your walk up to the beach, making it to the end just in time to see it go down behind the horizon.
16. Taupiri Sunflower Farm
While the Taupiri Sunflower Farm isn’t in Raglan, it is one of the best things to do on your travels home. Located just off State Highway 1 in Taupiri, this is a great extra stop to include on your trip.
The Taupiri Sunflower farm is open from select dates during the summer and gives you the chance to roam the epic sunflower fields and pick some of the flowers for yourself.
This is a great family friendly experience with the added bonus of some beautiful sunflowers to take home. Check out the Taupriri Sunflower Farm website and book a time slot to ensure you can get in at a time that suits you.
Do these things to do make Raglan Worth Visiting?
With much a wide range of things to do while in Raglan, it is no surprise that this cute little surf town is such a popular spot.
Now you know all the best things to do, it is time to start planning that trip and get excited to explore the ultimate surf town of Raglan.
