What can you do at the beach if you don’t want to surf?

Raglan estuary, kayaking, jumping off jetty
- 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.
- 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 is based at Ruapauke 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. Both of our cabins are perched on the edge of a valley covered by native bush that we have spent the last 20 years regenerating and have views of both the Tasman sea and Mount Karioi.
- 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.
- There is even a nine hole golf course with fabulous views. Raglan Golf 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.

@Raglan Golf Club

@raglanrock
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

Raglan hill view

High Jungle Waterfall in Lush Rain Forest near Raglan
- 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.
- 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.
- Indulge in a leisurely brunch at the many cafes and browse among the crafty shops dotted around the picturesque main street. Raglan has a summer night market Raglan Summer Markets as well as 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.

Raglan Summer Market @raglansummermarkets
Getting to 10 things to do around Raglan
Check out Raglan travel guide: what to see and Raglan art trail article.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE