Raglan is famous for being one of the best surf destinations in New Zealand. Even if surfing’s not your vibe, there are plenty of things to do in Raglan with black sand beaches, stunning natural wonders, and a boutique township that make this area the perfect summer destination.
1. Surfing
6 km south of Raglan, you’ll find Manu Bay, also referred to as The Point, which garnered international attention following its appearance in the 1966 movie, Endless Summer. Today Manu Bay attracts surfers from all around the world who come to experience the longest, most consistent left-hand break in the world. If you’re a pro, try entering the surfing competitions held at The Point on the first Saturday of every month. If you’re a beginner try Ngarunui Beach, where the summer waves are perfect for newbie surfers. Before you descend to the beach, check out the Michael Hope Lookout, where you can enjoy epic views of the coastline.
2. Visit the Township
While walking the streets of Raglan town centre, you’ll notice a vibrant energy emanating from the colourful shops and boutique restaurants. Try the delicious sourdough at Raglan Artisan Bread, or enjoy a fine dining experience at one of the numerous eateries such as Isobar. There’s no better way to soak up what a town is all about.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
Aptly named because of the appearance of a delicately draped wedding veil, the Bridal Veil Falls are among the most spectacular waterfalls on the North Island and are worth the 20-minute walk to the top platform. Several viewpoints are at the top of the falls, including a platform that overlooks the sheer drop of these impressive 55-metre falls. You can access the bottom of the falls via a staircase that takes you to the water’s edge; you may even experience some spray from the plummeting waterfalls on a windy day.
4. Check out Raglan Wharf
Located at the end of town, you’ll find the Raglan Wharf. This area is perfect for fishing or enjoying the daily catches with a fresh and delicious meal at Raglan Fish. If you’re looking for things to do in Raglan on a warm day, this spot delivers. Watch the fishing charters cruising in and out, and enjoy views out to the Tawatahi River.
5. Te Toto Gorge Lookout
You can drive virtually right up to this scenic lookout point, where you’ll enjoy epic views over the west coast. Park in the car park and enjoy the short stroll to the lookout platform. This is the site of three natural amphitheatres that once housed magnificent Māori gardens.
6. Karioi Summit
For experienced hikers, the Mount Karioi Summit is one of the best walks in the district, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean waves and mountainous backdrops. This 2.4 million-year-old volcano is now extinct and provides the perfect location for a challenging hike. During the walk, you’ll also see several unique plants and trees native to New Zealand. A good level of fitness is required to make the ascent to the summit. The total distance of the walk is 9.5 km and it takes around 5-6 hours to complete.
7. Wainui Bush Reserve
If you’re looking for a shorter walk around Raglan, check out the Wainui Bush Reserve, which has several tracks available through the beach, bush, and farmland. Along the trails, you can enjoy several highlights such as native flora and fauna, a natural amphitheatre, and the remnants of ancient volcanoes. Plus, you can enjoy the fantastic sculptures in the area. This is a great way to spend an easy day out in Raglan.
8. Kawhia Hot Water Beach
This is a great thing to do if you’re visiting the Waikato in winter. Kawhia Hot Water Beach is just over an hour’s drive from Raglan, so a visit to this spot includes a scenic drive. If you’re not keen on swimming in the wild west coast ocean waters, the hot water at Kawhia beach will be the perfect alternative.
9. Canyoning
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Raglan, but the area offers epic canyoning and rock climbing activities. Raglan Rock provides tours for all ability levels to experience the adrenaline rush, even if you’ve never rock climbed before. Raglan Rock offers several unique experiences from abseiling lush waterfalls to caving underneath an aura of glowworms. Find yourself scaling rocks and jumping into natural plunge pools at the base of waterfalls as you navigate this watery playground. These are some of the best ways to see Raglan if you want to challenge yourself and get the adrenaline pumping.
10. Kayak the Limestone Coast
Explore hidden gems, including beaches and secret coves, as you kayak or paddleboard along the limestone coast. Here you’ll discover the impressive pancake formations carved from layers of limestone that frame the bay’s turquoise waters. A guided tour with Raglan Kayak will showcase the beauty of this picturesque area. If you’re opting for a self-guided adventure, prepare for hours of exploring the nooks and crannies. Pack a picnic and stop off at one of the many scenic spots for a bite to eat. You might even spot orca whales at certain times of the year to add to this memorable experience!
11. Raglan and District Museum
If you’re wondering what to do in Raglan on a rainy day, look no further than the Raglan Museum. Established in the 1970s, this interesting building houses a range of exhibits from WW1 to native birds and gives a great insight into the real Raglan.
For more museums to add to your must-visit list, check out the Top Museums in New Zealand here.
