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 Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Raglan
VR Hamilton
237 Victoria Street, Hamilton
The price is ฿1,845 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
฿1,845
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean ...
6.2/10 (1,004 reviews)
"Staff member was super nice and helpful especially with their carpark times as we were there for a family function so getting up early and getting back late"
Reviewed on 27 May 2024
Raglan Harbour View Hotel
14 BOW STREET, Raglan
The price is ฿2,758 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
฿2,758
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Stay at this historic inn in Raglan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Raglan & District Museum and Old School Arts Centre ...
7.6/10 Good! (55 reviews)
"Cool old pub and accom"
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2024
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
287 Victoria Street, Hamilton
The price is ฿3,145 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿3,145
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"The room I stayed in was very spacious and two double beds was great to make amples of room and therefore it was a lovely room the staff were especially courteus and made my stay very comfortable"
Reviewed on 25 May 2024
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.
Stanley Apartments
17 Stanley St, Hamilton, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Claudelands Park and Globox Arena are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
"Just problem with tv but situation was sorted and everything was great. Was second time staying at the location would always recommend."
Reviewed on 26 May 2024
Hygate Motor Lodge
299 Ulster Street, Whitiora, Hamilton, Waikato
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (340 reviews)
Hidden gem
"Will stay again. I travel alot as a hotels.com gold member for several years. Nice spacious room. Only issues, 1 long hair of a female on bathroom floor and bar fridge froze the milk over night and some of my food that had to be thrown out as was a 1 night stay. Otherwise 5 star service"
Reviewed on 26 May 2024
Quest Hamilton
51 London Street, Cnr London and Victoria Streets, Hamilton
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Hamilton Centre ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (338 reviews)
"Staff were super approachable and helpful. overall good stay"
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024
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 Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Raglan at Raglan Golf Club. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
Raglan & District Museum
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Raglan & District Museum in Raglan. Wander the beaches in this relaxing area.
Things to do
Raglan: Guided Cave Adventure with Glow Worms
฿3,237
Per adult
Raglan: Scenic Harbour Sunset Cruise
฿1,304
Per adult
Raglan: 2-Hour Surf Lesson
฿1,825
Per adult
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience
฿3,237
Per adult
Raglan: Karioi Canyoning
฿3,020
Per adult
Raglan: Lunchtime Cruise of Raglan Harbour
฿1,304
Per adult