Plizio Visual Lab

Raglan

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°8
Raglan (New Zealand)
ℹ️

Practical info — Raglan

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Ngarunui Beach has strong currents; always swim between the flags set by the surf lifesavers.
  • Manu Bay is world-famous for its left-hand surf break, but it's for experienced surfers only.
  • Visit the Bridal Veil Falls (Waireinga), a spectacular plunge waterfall just a short drive away.
  • The black sand gets incredibly hot in summer, so always wear footwear down to the water's edge.

🍽 Food

🍽
Raglan Roast

A highly popular local coffee roaster; a must-try for any coffee lover visiting town.

🍽
Seafood at the Wharf

Head down to the end of Bow Street for fresh fish caught and served by the water.

🍽
Plant-based bowls

The town's strong surf culture brings with it plenty of excellent plant-based and vegetarian cafes.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Bow Street Boutiques

Browse the main street for surf gear, local art, and bohemian-style clothing.

🛍
Raglan Creative Market

Held on the second Sunday of the month, offering an array of local crafts and food.

🧘
Wainui Reserve

An expansive green space above the beach, first-rate for watching a quiet sunset.

🧘
Harbour Paddleboarding

Rent a board and explore the calm, limestone-lined coastal inlets on the water.

Raglan is widely recognized as New Zealand's premier surfing destination, located on the wild west coast of the Waikato region. The town pulses with a bohemian, eco-conscious vibe that draws surfers and nature lovers from around the globe. Set against the striking backdrop of Mount Karioi, a dormant volcano draped in lush native forest, Raglan features an unparalleled blend of dramatic coastal scenery and dense, green hinterland. The town's coastline is dotted with spectacular beaches. Ngarunui Beach, often referred to as Ocean Beach, is famous for its striking black iron sand and powerful surf, making it first-rate for swimming and surfing. Just a short distance away is Wainamu Beach, known for its calmer waters inside the harbor entrance, providing an excellent spot for family outings and paddleboarding. Manu Bay nearby has one of the longest left-hand point breaks globally. Away from the water, Raglan’s bustling town center is a hub of creativity. Visitors can explore independent art galleries, organic cafes, and boutique stores. The gastronomy here heavily features fresh local seafood and artisan roasted coffee.

Explore on the map

How well do you know New Zealand?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Raglan

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

Geography

Population
3,660
Coordinates
-37.79977, 174.86825

Facts

  • New Zealand's premier surfing destination.
  • Famous for black iron sand beaches.
  • Located in the Waikato region.
  • Ngarunui Beach is great for swimming and surfing.
  • Wainamu Beach offers calm waters for families.
  • Home to world-class left-hand point breaks.
  • Mount Karioi provides a stunning backdrop.
  • Close to the famous Bridal Veil Falls.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
Motorhome dimensions

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Raglan (8)

South Head📍 landmark

A coastal peak in Raglan offering views of the Tasman Sea.

Whāingaroa Harbour📍 landmark

A large estuary and bay in Raglan known for its natural beauty.

Kirikiripu📍 landmark

A natural peak located in the Raglan area.

Bow Street Gallery🏛 museum

An art gallery in Raglan featuring works by local artists.

Raglan & District Museum🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the heritage and history of the Raglan district.

Horongarara Paa🏺 historical

An archaeological site in Raglan of historical significance.

Raglan Recreation Reserve🌳 park

A public park in Raglan providing space for outdoor activities.

Wainamu Beach🎡 recreation

A beach in Raglan known for its black sand and surf.

Frequently asked questions

Raglan: where is it located?
Raglan is located in New Zealand.
Raglan: what is there to see?
Highlights include South Head, Whāingaroa Harbour, Kirikiripu.
Raglan: why is it worth visiting?
Raglan is widely recognized as New Zealand's premier surfing destination, located on the wild west coast of the Waikato region.
View on map → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Oceania
More places in New Zealand →

Nearby cities