surfing 

Raglan’s striking coastline is home to some of the best waves in the world, making this surf town an international hotspot. Picking up swells consistently from the Southern Ocean and tropical cyclones in the Pacific, there are point breaks and beach breaks for all levels. Featured in the classic movie The Endless Summer (1966), it’s the choice for many pro surfers, as well as hosting the Rip Curl Raglan Pro surf competition. The waves here have a global reputation for long lefts, some arguing that Indicators is the longest left in the world.

The volcanic black sands of Ngaranui Beach has waves that are perfect for all levels with lessons available daily for beginners. Manu Bay is a world-famous left that can hold some serious size and is suitable for advanced-intermediate to expert surfers. Whale Bay can be surfed in most conditions and in giant swells connects with Manu Bay. Indicators is for the more skilled surfer with difficult access and a fast ride that can barrell on a low tide.  

All these waves are right next to each other along a few kilometres of coastline and only five minutes drive from The Glasshouse. Access is from Manu Bay or Whale Bay carparks. 

on the Water

Raglan Whaingaroa Harbour has a myriad of inlets and coves to explore by boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. It’s perfect for boating and fishing and a favourite with water sports enthusiasts for water skiing and wakeboarding. You can hire kyacks and SUPs from Raglan Kayak and Paddleboard on the Bow Street jetty in Raglan town, charter a fishing boat or take a sunset harbour cruise on board the Wahine Moa from the Raglan Wharf at the end of Wallis Street. 

Ozone New Zealand, based at 23 Bow Street in Raglan has a kitesurfing and paragliding school where you can learn to kitesurf, hydrofoil and paraglide with the best in the industry. The popular kitesurfing beach at the end of Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive just out of town and not far from the tidal harbour mouth provides great kitesurfing opportunities for the experienced and attracts kitesurfers from around the globe. 

Raglan is a popular fishing and boating destination with boat ramps at Kopua, the Wharf and Manu Bay. Launching at Manu Bay allows you to avoid navigating the Raglan Harbour Bar as you enter straight into the Tasman. Raglan Sport Fishing Club hold a popular fishing competition annually on Auckland Anniversary weekend. They also run competitions on the last weekend in November (the Fish City Ice Breaker) and mid-March (the Rollo’s Mixed Classic). A large variety of fish can be caught in the waters here including snapper, gurnard, kingfish, kahawai and even marlin. Raglan Fishing charters include Islay Mist and Raglan Fishing Charters Ltd. Dove Charters operate fishing charters in the Raglan coastal area operating from Kawhia.

trail, trek and traverse

The outstanding walks, bike tracks and hikes through this pristine landscape give guests the opportunity to find exhilaration in legendary places. Bridal Veil Falls/Waireinga track is a ten minute walk through native bush into a pristine waterfall. Mount Karioi summit tracks provide more challenging hikes though dense forest with rewarding views high over the Tasman Sea. The spectacular Te Toto Gorge track, close to The Glasshouse, and Bryant Memorial walk are other options that lead to the sea. Te Ara Kakariki mountain bike trails start at the end of Rira Kereopa Memorial drive with bikes for hire in town at Cyclery Raglan. The  Pipiwharauroa Trail is another great option for keen cyclists. Horse riding and treks of all types are available from Surf and Turf Horse Riding Raglan or with WildCoast Ruapuke.

raglan arts trail

One of the cornerstones of Raglan life is its eclectic and innovative arts community. Contributing to the colour and vibrancy of the area, Raglan’s artists’ studios are scattered around the town and its environs and can be visited by appointment or during the Raglan Arts Weekend, held every year on Auckland Anniversary Weekend at the end of January. From the thought-provoking, radical style of Sam Mathers to the beauty and eloquence of Jane Galloway’s prints and paintings, inspired by the natural beauty of the local coastline, Raglan’s artists have carved a niche in the art world, where they continue to provoke, delight and stimulate. Visit Raglan Arts Centre or any of the numerous galleries and studios to view or find a distinctive artwork from this renowned area.