Raglan has plenty of things to do for visitors who are not interested in surfing. While Raglan is best known as a surf beach holiday destination have you considered horse trekking on a remote beach. Raglan is home to adrenaline laced adventure with Raglan Rock. The idea of a sunset cruise on the estuary sounds inviting or a brisk hike to the top of Mt Kariori. Raglan’s vibrant art scene could be the ticket.
For other trips and holiday inspiration check out Auckland Road Trips.
- Raglan Rock is an adventure tourism operator who can take you caving, exploring the wild and wet waterfalls and rivers. Raglan Rock invites visitors to go caving at Karamu Cave. Glowworm galaxies are a must see and only 25 minutes from Raglan. Delicate and prehistoric, the formations of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and crystals all surround you in this ancient underground limestone valley of Karamu Cave.
- Sea kayaking with Raglan Kayak has been offering scenic two-three hour excursions of the local beaches and the beautiful Limestone Coast since 2003; no experience is necessary and all equipment is provided on the day. The company also offers kayaks and stand-up paddleboard rentals for visitors eager for a more hands-on approach to exploring their surroundings.
- Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls is one of New Zealand’s top ten waterfalls. The walk to the fall is well signposted with descriptive plaques describing the bush walk through native forest. The Falls often have an updraft of wind that creates a swirling mist that floats before sinking into the pool below. Great photo moments at the falls, an instagram favourite.
NEED A CAR TO GET AROUND? CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING DEALS NOW!
- Aotea beach horse treks. Beach horse riding will be a favourite for horse riders. The interaction of the sea, the beach and outdoor feel of yourself and the horse will be intoxicating. There are two tour operators offering horse riding on Raglan beaches. Wildcoast based at Ruapuke beach, opposite the Ruapuke Motor Camp. Booking is essential. Wildcoast offers accommodation that is off the grid. Definitely you will get a rest from Wifi and the mobile.
Surf & Turf – Raglan Horse Riding, Horse treks and trips in Raglan NZ.
Surf and Turf Horse Riding is based in Raglan. You have the choice of farm riade, beach rides or sunset rides to suit all levels of horsemanship. In summer you have the option of swimming with the horses. You are riding bareback.
LOOKING FOR TOURS, CHEAP TICKETS? CLICK HERE!
- Fishing from the wharf is a recreational pastime many visitors can relate to. See if you can catch some snapper and kawhai from the local wharf. Optional for kids is water bombing. Jump off the jetty only at high tide.
- Harvest shellfish from the estuary at low tide. You will observe locals intent on shellfish gathering at low tide, children paddling in the safe knee high estuary tides and walkers strolling the length of the beach. A perfect beach for families with cafes and toilets nearby and plenty of shade under the enormous pohutakawa trees fringing the shore.
- There is even a nine hole golf course with fabulous views. Raglan Gof Club course is a must-play attraction to all golfers. Open 7 days, with the latest Dot-Golf Scorecard system and Carts available to hire.
- Exploring the local walks around the estuary checking out the heritage trails around the seaside village. A quiet stroll around the estuary takes 1 – 2 hours depending on how much time is absorbed by checking out hidden gems.
- Go on a Raglan and beyond day trip finding out hidden corners beyond Raglan. Discover your own private hot water beach at Kawhia.
- Kitesurfing and Ozone New Zealand Kitesurf School are synonymous with kitesurfing Raglan style. Lots of fun and one of our team members is a proficient wakeboarder. Ozone gets his green light for fun, entertaining and you get to learn about a new sport.
- Exploring the art trail of Raglan. Nature is the material to inspire potters, jewellery makers, photographers and painters and others to create works available to purchase from studios or local stores.
- Meet the makers tours taste Raglan from Auckland. Art tour to Raglan from Auckland. This tour is a visual feast of galleries, creative spaces, workshops, and breath-taking rugged west coast beaches. Raglan is a west coast beach town with a laid-back surfy vibe. Indulge in a leisurely brunch at the many cafes and browse among the crafty shops dotted around the picturesque main street.
- Raglan summer night market. Raglan has a summer night market Raglan Summer Markets – Farmers Market – Raglan, New Zealand.
- Raglan summer creative market. A monthly creative market with the best of Raglan-Whaingaroa food, crafts and art or Raglan Creative Market held in the Old School Arts Centre, a monthly market held the 2nd Sunday of each month, 10..00am to 2.00pm.
Remember to check out What’s happening in Raglan at:
- Raglan Old School Arts Centre – What’s On Guide
- Raglan Radio – What’s On Guide
- Facebook – Raglan Events
- Join a harbour cruise with Raglan Boat Charter – Wahinemoe for a harbour sunset cruise and dinner. The Wahinemoe is a 2 story catamaran with a maximum capacity of 70 people. She tours within the safe areas of Raglan’s historical Whaingaroa Raglan Harbour. There are 120kms of coastline planted with more than 2 million trees planted during a 25 year conservation program. Limestone (pancake rocks) cliffs and towers on the northern shores can only be seen from the water and from our upper deck the views are even more stunning.
- Kids surfing, friends at the beach – visit Hamilton instead. Hamilton is a mere 40 km from Raglan (State Highway 37, 40 km) and enjoy one of the Waikato’s top attractions Hamilton Garden where fantasy meets creative gardening a sure delight for gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
And want to surf at an iconic Raglan beach?
Where to go surfing in Raglan is the stuff of many a holiday in New Zealand. Check the local weather, Raglan Coastal Marine Weather Forecast.
Where is Raglan, North Island located?
A short trip from either Auckland or Hamilton and you arrive in beachside community of Raglan.
Check out Raglan travel guide: what to see and Raglan art trail article.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.
