Discover the sharp jagged edges of Raglan, Whale Bay. Rocks, rock pools gleaming with sea life are a contrast to the challenging breaks of Whale Bay. The narrow Whale Bay has the sense you are on private property.
Raglan, Whale Bay, with its native forest reaching up to the summit of Mount Karioi is a small coastal settlement perched on the edges of the bay. The surf at Whale Bay is deservedly renown for its excellent left break.
Things to do in Whale Bay, Raglan:
- Surfing
- Visiting local artist studios
Surfing at Whale Bay, Raglan
Experience required as access to the surf is from an exposed, slippy rocky shelf. The area is exposed to the weather gremlins and the powerful waves consistently roll over the rocks.
Great surf most of the year attracts surfers from around the world to Whale Bay daring to challenge the conditions. A strong south westerly wind can build up suddenly.
There is a path leading to a rocky coastline where the feeling of shared space increases. There is a realisation visitors are visiting a place of New Zealand history where Eva Richard, along with her contemporaries moved land ownership and repatriation into the forefront of New Zealand consciousness. There are large notices that you are trespassing on private Maori property, with the accompanying rights of seafood gathering will be defended. The beach has a short public walkway where surfers are present.
There is a popular lagoon where access is across private property. Seek permission before entering. It was a privilege to walk in an area where seafooding gathering was taking place and feel welcome. Maori landowner frustrated as seabed issue clouds rights.
For surfing experience, Ngarunui and Manu beaches with their life guards and surf schools is the place to do for families and kids.
Artist studio
Miranda Jane artist … full time artist and first started selling my work in 2003. Painting very quickly became a full time job. My studio is in a tiny bach at Whale Bay in Raglan, New Zealand and I like to stay very connected to nature. I love being able to get deeply into a creative flow without any dates, distractions or deadlines.
I have rarely done solo shows as I am not really one for the limelight. Mostly I have been a stock artist just putting the work on the courier and sending it off to galleries and buyers. Over 1000 originals have gone out and are all around the world. My work has featured on the cover of Contemporary New Zealand Art Calendars.
Source Miranda Jane Caird
Interested in artist studios scroll through Raglan, Waikato old school arts centre – Best Bits for more information about where to go.
Discover 35 Things to Do in Raglan, New Zealand and enjoy a classic seaside town.
Where is Whale Bay located
The narrow winding unsealed gravel Waanga Coast Road starts at Whale Bay and heads south to Ruapuke between Mount Karioi and Ruapuke and Aotea Beaches beyond. Check out what lies beyond Whale Bay on a Raglan day trips to Kawhia and Aotea Harbours inland route – Best Bits.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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