Raglan (Māori name: Whāingaroa, “the long pursuit”) is a bohemian surf town on New Zealand’s North Island, famous for its black-sand beaches, laid-back vibe, and one of the world’s longest left-hand point breaks at Manu Bay. You’ll find a tight-knit creative community of potters, shapers, and musicians alongside salty surfers and nature lovers.

Beyond the waves, Raglan’s hinterland hides lush native bush, waterfalls, and the hulking volcanic dome of Mt Karioi. It’s a perfect base for short hikes, coastal viewpoints, and harbor paddles. The nearby Waitomo Glowworm Caves add an otherworldly subterranean adventure to your trip.

Practical notes: you’ll need a car for maximum freedom. Drive on the left, watch for wandering livestock on rural roads, and carry layers—the west coast can switch from sun to squalls quickly. Lifeguards patrol Ngarunui Beach in summer; always swim between the flags and heed rips.

Raglan

Raglan’s compact center clusters around Bow Street and the harbor. Mornings start with specialty coffee, afternoons drift into surf checks, and sunsets paint the Tasman Sea from Manu Bay or Te Toto Gorge. The town’s wharf precinct blends heritage sheds with galleries and waterside eats.

Top sights and experiences include:

• Ngarunui (Ocean) Beach: wide black-sand crescent ideal for learners and long cruisy rides.
• Manu Bay and Whale Bay: legendary point breaks; superb sunset lookout even if you don’t surf.
• Bridal Veil Falls (Wairēinga): 55 m ribbon of water with easy upper viewpoints and stairs to the base.
• Mt Karioi: rugged summit tramp with sweeping views over the coast and Waikato.
• Raglan Wharf: Tony Sly Pottery, local galleries, and fresh fish and chips by the water.

Where to stay: center-of-town stays make cafes and bars walkable; Wainui Road puts you close to Ngarunui Beach; Whale Bay suits surfers chasing dawn patrols. Browse curated vacation homes on VRBO Raglan or compare boutique lodges and motels via Hotels.com Raglan.

Getting there: fly into Auckland or Hamilton. Check fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com (flights). Drive times: Auckland Airport to Raglan ~2–2.5 hours; Hamilton Airport to Raglan ~45–60 minutes. Expect car rentals from roughly NZD 60–100/day; the public bus 23 runs Hamilton–Raglan on weekdays and weekends for budget travelers.

Day 1: Arrival, Wharf Wanders, and West Coast Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your stay near Bow Street for easy strolling. Grab a fortifying flat white at Raglan Roast’s tiny roastery window (strong, chocolatey espresso) and wander the Raglan Wharf. Pop into Tony Sly Pottery for classic celadon glazes and functional pieces—great souvenirs that travel well.

Evening: Drive 10 minutes to Manu Bay for your first sunset over the Tasman. Even on calm days the lava reef and lineup are mesmerizing. For dinner, pick one: The Wharf Kitchen & Bar (harborside seafood—think green-lipped mussels, market fish), Isobar (modern NZ plates, craft cocktails, and a convivial bar), or Ulo’s Kitchen (Japanese-Kiwi share plates; don’t miss the karaage and miso-glazed veg). Nightcap at the Yot Club if there’s live music.

Day 2: Surf Ngarunui, Coast Walks, and Te Toto Gorge

Morning: Breakfast at The Shack (locals’ favorite; corn fritters with avocado, or the Moroccan baked eggs are standouts). Book a surf lesson with a local outfitter at Ngarunui Beach—gentle sand-bottom waves and seasonal lifeguards make it ideal for beginners. Rent a soft-top and a steamer; instructors coach you on pop-ups, paddling, and reading rips.

Afternoon: Refuel with classic fish and chips from Raglan Fish at the wharf—get the tarakihi or gurnard with kumara chips and a squeeze of lemon. Walk the Wainui Reserve track and dunes for sea views; then continue to Whale Bay and the short coastal path between the points to watch experienced surfers weave long lefts.

Evening: Drive a little further to Te Toto Gorge lookout. The platform peers into a colossal coastal amphitheater once cultivated by Māori; on clear evenings, it’s a prime golden-hour perch. Back in town, choose dinner at Isobar (smart-casual, seasonal) or keep it casual with gourmet burgers and local beer at a neighborhood bar. Gelato after, if the line isn’t too long.

Day 3: Caves and Constellations — Waitomo Glowworms Day Trip

Morning: After coffee at Rock-It Kitchen (a rustic indoor-outdoor spot on Wainui Road; try the house granola or mushrooms on toast), drive ~1 hr 20 min via SH39 to Waitomo for a guided cave tour. Book ahead for the iconic experience below.

Featured activity (Viator): Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour — Glide silently by boat under a galaxy of Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms while guides share geology and local stories. It’s accessible, family-friendly, and unforgettable.

Afternoon: Have lunch at Waitomo Homestead (good cabinet food, pies, and coffee). If you want more, detour to Marokopa Falls (short walk to a thundering curtain of water) before looping back to Raglan. Alternatively, stop by Otorohanga’s main street for a bakery treat and small-town snapshots.

Evening: Return to Raglan for a relaxed harbor stroll. Dine waterside at The Wharf Kitchen & Bar with a Hawke’s Bay chardonnay and a plate of steamed mussels, or try Ulo’s Kitchen for seasonal sashimi and pickled sides. Early night, or check the Yot Club gig guide.

Day 4: Mt Karioi, Bridal Veil Falls, and Farewell Feast

Morning: Fuel up at The Shack or grab takeaway coffee from Raglan Roast. Tackle Mt Karioi via the Wairake Track: allow 4–6 hours return for a steep, rooty adventure with ladders and panoramic views over Raglan, Aotea Harbour, and as far as Taranaki on a crisp day. Pack water, snacks, and grippy shoes; postpone if it’s been raining heavily.

Afternoon: On your way back, detour 20 minutes inland to Bridal Veil Falls (Wairēinga). The top viewpoints are a quick stroll; the staircase to the base rewards photographers with misty angles and mossy rocks. Picnic here, or head back to town for a late lunch at Rock-It Kitchen’s sunny garden tables.

Evening: Golden-hour surf check at Manu Bay or a mellow swim at Ngarunui if conditions are kind. For a final dinner, book a window table at Isobar for market fish with native herbs or go casual with Raglan Fish packs on the wharf—feet dangling over the tide, sea breeze in your hair. Toast the trip with a local craft beer and a last look at the stars.

Logistics, Tips, and Add-ons

• When to go: November–April brings warmer water and long evenings. Winter surf pumps, but bring rain gear and a thicker wetsuit.
• Gear and lessons: Multiple local surf schools offer group and private lessons plus rentals (soft-tops are perfect for Ngarunui). In summer, park early at the beach.
• Safety: Swim between lifeguard flags at Ngarunui. Mobile coverage can be patchy on back roads and trails—download offline maps.
• Driving times: Raglan–Waitomo ~1 hr 20 min; Raglan–Hamilton ~45–60 min; Raglan–Auckland Airport ~2–2.5 hours.
• Flights: Compare routes and prices to Auckland or Hamilton on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; rent a car at the airport for the most flexibility.
• Where to book stays: See options across the harbor, town center, and beach zone on VRBO Raglan and Hotels.com Raglan.

In four unhurried days, you’ll surf a famous west coast beach, stand beneath a thundering waterfall, hike a volcanic summit, and drift under galaxies of glowworms. Raglan’s creativity, coastline, and casual hospitality make it a place you’ll dream of revisiting the moment you leave.