New Zealand Travel - Raglan Surfing Beach
Black Sand Beach for Swimming and Surfing West Coast NZ
Dec 8, 2008
The tiny coastal settlement of Raglan scrambles up the hillsides from the black iron sands of New Zealand's West Coast. About two hours from Auckland International Airport, a visit to Raglan means turning off the main highway at Hamilton onto a well-maintained road through rich farmlands and rugged hill country.
Enjoy Raglan’s Lively Arts and Crafts Community
Raglan’s main street boasts a beguiling assortment of art galleries and gift shops. Original arts and crafts in all media, photography, pottery, sculpture, glassware, handcrafted jewellery, fibre, fabric and design fashionware can be found in art and craft galleries throughout the township. The traditional Maori arts of harakeke (flaxware), and works in bone, wood, greenstone and paua are well represented.
Summer art workshops are held at the Old School Arts Centre in Stewart Street. From November to May independent art exhibitions are hosted at the centre and The Whaingaroa Creative Market is held there every 2nd Sunday. A community pottery is an active part of the Arts Centre which is open every day through the summer from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.
Visit Raglan's cafes, Restaurants and Takeaways
With a permanent population of around 3,500 and an ambience of Jessica Fletcher’s Cabot Cove, there are none of the major fast food chains in Raglan but there are plenty of other options to choose from including Chinese, pizza, pasta, and the traditional New Zealand fish ‘n’ chip dinner. Whether it's a flat white before breakfast or a fine wine with dinner the traveller is sure to find it within minutes of embarking on a leisurely stroll through the township.
Raglan on New Zealand's West Coast offers World-Renowned Surfing Beaches
One of the world’s greatest surfing destinations, Raglan is internationally renowned for its magnificent surfing beaches. Famous surfing breaks are found at Manu Bay, Whale Bay and the Indicators. Surfing adventure packages are available from The Raglan Surfing School at 5 Whaanga Bay.
History of Raglan and this Part of the West Coast
The vintage architecture and charming colonial styles of some of the buildings in the town centre bear testament to Raglan’s pioneering past. A visit to the museum in Wainui Road reveals a fascinating collection of photographs, historic documents, personal effects and newspapers that allow a glimpse of Raglan’s rich history.
Maori had inhabited the area for almost a thousand years before the first European colonisation around 1835, and had named it ‘Whaingaroa’ (The Long Pursuit) following their long migratory journey by voyaging canoe. On their arrival to these West Coast bays however, Europeans bestowed the name Raglan on their new home in honour of Baron Raglan who commanded the British forces in the Crimean War, and it is this name by which the town has become more commonly known.
The Raglan museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 1:00pm to 3:30pm. Entry is by donation.
Raglan's Panormaic Vistas, Sightseeing and Other Activities
Safe swimming can be found in tranquil bays. Other activities include kayaking, sailing, and golf. Opportunities abound for walks that provide panoramic coastal and pastoral vistas, and a harbour cruise is a leisurely way to while away the time.
The magical Bridal Veil Falls are about 15 minutes south of the township. The stomach-swooping viewpoint at the top of the falls is reached after a short walk along a well-formed pathway through native bush. The walk down to the base is relatively easy. Climbing the 55-metre staircase back up however, is a slow job for the unfit.
A Variety of Accommodation is Available in Raglan
Raglan sports a full range of accommodation from camping grounds and backpackers to luxury retreats and lodges. The Raglan Kopua Holiday Park on Marine Parade has hosted some of the same families for 50 and more years with children and grandchildren returning to enjoy the spacious grounds and well-kept facilities. The Raglan Kopua Holiday Park is on land donated by local Maori for the benefit of the Raglan community.
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