"Raglan, Jewel of the West Coast." Raglan by kiwi

Raglan Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 90 photos

Picturesque coastal town with nice harbour

A wild west coast beach with a lazy, quaint town attached.

The coast is rough and relentless, and the sand is dark, hot, black ironsand.

RAGLAN is the region of Waikato's oldest town being settled by Europeans back in the 1830's. It was named after Lord Raglan.
These days Raglan is a vibrant small town with a mix of artists, musicians, surfers and farm people among the population. The main town area with a traditional old Pub and really nice kiwi cafés can be quite lively at times, and very enjoyable.
Surfers come to experience the so-called longest left hand break in the world. Many contest are held here.

Gliding at Raglan

Most summers the gliding club spends around 2 weeks flying at Raglan . There is often an opportunity to take a trial flight at the airfield next to a motorcamp and it's fun to fly up the coast or around Mt Karioi. Raglan is a lovely town to view from above, so don't miss this chance.

Raglan coast.

Flying gives a great way to see the coast, and the sea. Soaring thrives on the ridge created by the coast, but of course, having no motor, the direction and time is restricted.

We go to Raglan to buy lambs from time to time, and you can see some photos of this in the travelogues, here.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The waves are some of the finest.
Cons:Black sand sticks like glue and never get it in your hair!!
In a nutshell:Dramatic, Coastal, Exciting!!

Last visit to Raglan: Jan 2013
Intro Updated Jan 10, 2013
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Reviews (10)

Mainstreet pleasant atmosphere Restaurants (2)

Nice sunny both indoors and out. Nice street tables and plenty of room inside for winter dining. Great espresso... more travel advice

Been around a long time Restaurants (2)

Vinnies has been in Raglan for over 14 years and has forged a good reputation during that time. Although not the... more travel advice

$300 fine for having a dog in the street. - Raglan

Dogs Not Allowed in Town Warnings and Dangers (2)

Dogs are not allowed on the footpaths in town during the day. This restriction is from 8am to 6pm and the fine if caught... more travel advice

Walk across Raglan harbour bridge - Raglan

Go across the Footbridge. Favorites (3)

If you have some time while visiting Raglan, I recommend walking over the footbridge and taking a walk over the sand... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Great Campsite and Amazing location.

Things to Do (2)
See All Visit Bridal Veil Falls

Travelogues (6)

1 - 4 of 6

Comments (23)

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themajor Jul 14, 2008 at 7:39 AM

'Tongue and Groove' eh? How splendid is that! I am however a tad upset that the town appears to have no shopkeeper that specialises in knitting and marketing Raglan jumpers...
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craic Feb 16, 2008 at 12:07 PM

lovely stuff - wonder why the town is so against dogs
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MrBill Sep 28, 2007 at 12:07 AM

Very nice. Thanks for the link Pam. Have a nice weekend. Bill.
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angiebabe Sep 6, 2007 at 4:54 AM

Great to see your tips Pam, wish we'd bought property there when it was so cheap b4 the boom!great seeing Bridal Veil Falls again!
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leffe3 Aug 8, 2007 at 9:05 PM

Looks beautiful - relieved to see the photo of airstrip in 2nd travelogue. First pic in 1st travelogue made it look suitable for vertical landing only! :)
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frankcanfly Jul 16, 2007 at 4:52 PM

Great flight, great photos! In a strange way, I'm feeling pretty proud of her too! Bravo! Did you fly over the farmer?
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Morepork Jul 15, 2007 at 2:42 AM

What a great day out for you both! Chalk it up !
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Tina-Perth Jul 14, 2007 at 10:46 PM

You're looking really well in that pic! That gorgeous girl of yours sure is someone to be proud of! What a lovely day for you both.
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Ekahau Jul 13, 2007 at 4:51 PM

Yes Lord Raglan and the endless summer nice page and love the flight photos thanks Pam
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CesVT Apr 20, 2007 at 6:04 AM

Hi Pam, how are you?? Good to get a lil note! I've been busy planing my trip to Alaska & will be leaving on May 12! Just took a look at your pics of sheep (love that cutie!) & Raglan-wow!! Have a great day!! xxx Cécile