New Zealand TravelRaglan is a small seaside settlement just west of Hamilton in The Waikato region, but the place is big on adventure, located on the wild West Coast of New Zealand this is the regions number one surfing location.
The most popular surfing beach located here is Manu Bay which features one of the longest left hand breaks in the world and on any given day the ocean is packed with surfers looking for that perfect wave.
For the non surfers there are numerous other activities available in the area, Ocean Beach is a great place for the family to swim in the summer months and fishing is available along the rocky coastline.
Mount Karioi
For Hikers and any one else seeking adventure, Mount Karioi is right on Raglans doorstep, this ancient volcano rises up to 756m above the West Coast and the view from the top is stunning.
There are other numerous walks located around Mount Karioi and the Raglan area the two main tracks are the Wairake Track and the Mt Karioi Track, both of these tracks lead to the summit but there are other shorter tracks available to walk.
Bridal Veil Falls
A short drive from Raglan are the Bridal Veil Falls, these falls are spectacular and well worth the effort to see, more so when there has been some rain, the falls drop an impressive 55m from a cliff and empty into a basin below the falls.
From the Bridal Veil Falls carpark and following the river that feeds the falls, a short 10 minute walk will see you arrive at the top of the falls, for the brave you can walk onto the cantilever platform and view the drop from above.
For the more adventurous a steep decent down the Bridal Veil Falls track, to the right hand side of the falls offer glimpses of the waterfall through the trees and a short time later takes you to the base of the drop here you can watch the water drop down into the basin.
Te Toto Gorge
A short drive along the Raglan coast road there is an historic site well worth viewing, Te Toto Gorge there is a viewing platform here with a stunning view down to the wild west coast.
This area was once bountiful Maori Gardens when the Maori occupied the area long ago and the carpark here is also the start of the Mount Karioi Track that takes you to the summit.
Ruapuke Beach
Manu Bay is not the only surf beach in the area, Ruapuke Beach is a short drive down the west coast from Raglan, this black iron sand beach is less crowded than Manu Bay.
Ruapuke Beach is more suited to experienced surfers as the conditions can change quickly here, the beach is around 12km in length and a great place to take an extended walk, this beach is remote and secluded and you will have the beach to yourself most days.
Cafes And Art
Raglan is a great place for all the family, if you are not into surfing or hiking there are numerous other activities in and around Raglan, there is the Raglan Photo Gallery which is open to the public most days show casing many images from the area, the Wharf Art Gallery with art from Bruce McLachlan and Lyndy Wilson both local artists.
Rivet Vintage is a small shop located in Raglan specializing in art, home wares and vintage items well worth a view while in the area, there are also a few cafes dotted through Raglan great places to take a break and relax by the sea.
