What to do in Raglan
Sunny days, some of the worlds best surfing, vegan fare and the ultimate beach town vibe. Is Raglan on your bucket list for a truly Kiwi holiday? Well if it’s not, it most certainly should be!
Raglan is a dreamy little coastal town located in the Waikato. The coffee shops, coastal walks, surf culture and the organic foodie scene, make this town an absolute favourite in our books. With so many things to do in Raglan, we’ve created a guide to ensure you and your family experience all that this special place has to offer.
Check out these four epic things to do in Raglan…
1. Go crazy for the food scene
If you’re wondering where to eat in Raglan, don’t stress. We’ve got you covered! The Raglan food scene is committed to providing food enthusiasts with sustainable, wholesome and fresh cuisine that will leave your body feeling refreshed and invigorated. For those that are wanting plant-based meals at a Raglan restaurant, head to The Conscious Kitchen which uses produce from the owner’s garden all year round. If you’re after a hearty brunch, then The Shack is the ultimate choice, where their sweetcorn and chickpea fritters with avo smash will surely help you find your happy place. But the best coffee comes from Raglan Roast, which can be found on Electric Avenue or Volcom Lane. Nothing quite beats grabbing a fresh cuppa at 7am after a sunrise stroll on the beach. Make sure to end the day with takeaways from Raglan Fish, whose fish and chips are worth the long queues and we believe taste that much better at sunset.
2. Live out the surfer dream
Let’s be honest, Raglan surf has become famous in the surfing community because of the legendary left-breaks it produces. While this seaside town attracts world-class surfers, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the waves. Sign you and your group or family up for surf lessons at one of the five surf schools or camps available all year round. You’ll have so much fun hanging loose on the surfboard and soaking up the incredible surf culture.
3. Enjoy the beaches
You won’t be short of choice when it comes to enjoying all that nature has to offer in Raglan. There are four main beaches in Raglan: Ngarunui Beach – a black sand surf and swim beach, Manu Bay – which is home to surf competitions and featured in the movie ‘Endless Summer’, Whale Bay – a scenic coastal area where native bush meets the Tasman Sea and Ruapukue Beach – a scenic sandy beach that’s perfect for long strolls, surfing and fishing. Take your pick!
4. Take a scenic hike
There are seven stunning bush walks that Raglan offers. For an easier family-friendly walk, head towards Bridal Veil Falls. A twenty-minute stroll will lead you through the countryside and to a stunning outlook of the waterfall and natural rock pool. A sight not to be missed! But for those wanting a more challenging hike, you should absolutely put Mt Karioi at the top of your list. This 2.4-million-year-old extinct volcano provides some absolutely stunning views of the surrounding region. There are two tracks you can take: one is gravel and consists of chains and ladders to provide assistance. The other is paved with numerous vantage points to stop at and catch your breath. Whichever route you choose, make sure to allow for at least 5-6 hours return for the journey.
Whether you’re in the water, on top of a mountain or holding a locally brewed cup of coffee, we know that Raglan will be your happy place. Check out our Raglan holiday homes and start planning your escape now!
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