Raglan Beaches
& some places of interest

Te Kopua

Located beside Raglan's main camping ground and close to the heart of town. This beach is the safest for swimming. Accessible by road from Raglan West or across the footbridge at the lower end of Bow Street the beach also boasts a boat ramp and children's playground. Although the iron sand seems blackest in this spot, it doesn't seem to deter the hundreds of holidaymakers who crowd this beach every summer.

Ocean Beach (Ngarunui)

Ocean Beach provides spectacular views of the Raglan bar and is a wonderful picnic spot (providing the wind is not too strong). Lifeguards patrol the western end of the beach during the summer months. It is safest to swim between the flags, as there can be strong undertows at other areas of the beach making swimming dangerous - especially on the outgoing tide. The current changes slightly from season-to-season and year-to-year - so be careful. Ocean Beach is located just out of Raglan off Wainui Road (the road to Whale Bay). Access to the beach is via Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive or by parking your car on Wainui Reserve Road and using the walking track.

Ocean Beach, looking towards the township

 

Manu Bay (Waireke)

This rocky bay is primarily a surfing beach and famous for its left-hand break. When they're right surfing conditions rival anything else in the world and draw surfers from around the globe to compete in the international surfing competition held here every summer. Subsequently, the local surfing fraternity is both proud and jealous of its surf - they would often prefer to guard their own private haven. Manu Bay is also an excellent picnic spot and has a boat ramp.

Whale Bay (Whaanga)

If you're prepared to walk 600 metres over its rocks, Whale Bay is also an excellent spot to catch a wave or have a picnic.

Ruapuke Beach

If you like rugged stretches of coastline, this beach is definitely for you! Excellent surfcasting although the rocks to the north are extremely dangerous. The beach is not patrolled and swimmers should be especially wary of cross currents. Watch out for calm spots in the surf, this is often where the undertow is worst.

Follow the old coastal road from Whale Bay and enjoy the magnificent scenery and spectacular views of the Tasman Sea on your way.

Cox's Bay

This little inner-harbour beach is sheltered, has an excellent picnic spot and is a very safe place to take children. Cox's Bay is accessible from Bayview Road and Daisy Street or from the walkway along Government Road.

Puriri Park (Aro Aro Bay)

Located towards the end of Wallis Street this bay is very sheltered and safe for swimming when the tide is high.

Interesting Places

Bridal Veil Fails Set in 218 hectares of native bush reserve this impressive waterfall with its 55-metre cascade can be viewed by an easy ten-- minute walk from the road. The route to the fails is well signposted. From Raglan take Highway 23 back towards Hamilton and turn right at the Te Mata/Kawhia tumoff.

 

Waingaro Hot Springs

A hotel resort with natural hot springs Waingaro Springs also boasts a water slide, bumper boat tides. a playground and three outdoor pools. Refreshments are available, a licensed hotel overlooks the pools and barbecue facilities are also available. Travelling from Raglan take Highway 23 back towards HamiIton and make a left turn along the road marked to Ohautira Road (Highway 22). At the end of this road, make a right turn - the springs are only a few hundred rnetres along the road.

Karamu Walking Track

Midway between Raglan and Hamilton lies the Four Brothers Reserve with its picturesque walking track through native bush. The walk makes an interesting break in the journey through to Hamilton. Parking is available.

Mount Karioi

Afthough the two walking tracks are difficult in places, the view is well worth the trouble!

Te Toto Gorge Steeped in local Maori history and legend - and usually avoided - the Gorge lies just south of Whale Bay near the end of the coastal road. The climb down the cliff lined cleft in the mountainside is steep, but the views are fantastic.

The following aerial photo shows raglan township in the foreground and Mt Karioi in the background.

Wainui Reserve

This 140-hectare farm park provides spectacular views of Raglan's picturesque coastline, with ample parking and access to the black sand of Ngarunui Beach. It is located on Wainui Road, 400 metres on the right past Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive.

Raglan and District Museum

This storehouse of local history (mainly European) is staffed on a voluntary basis by members of the Museum Society. The building is normally open most days during the school holidays as well as Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Opening times vary and should be checked at the Museum (located on Wainui Road). The Museum houses a set (not complete) of old Raglan County Chronicles, which are available at the reading table and make for very interesting browsing.