The World Famous Surf Breaks of Raglan
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)
Raglan is a world-famous surf beach and quirky coastal town, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand.
Raglan Beach provides spectacular views of the Raglan Bar and is a wonderful picnic spot. Lifeguards patrol the western end of the beach during the summer months. It is safest to swim between the flags, as there can be strong undertows at other areas of the beach making swimming dangerous—especially on the outgoing tide.
Access to the beach is via Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive or by parking your car on Wainui Reserve Road and using the walking track.
Manu Bay (Waireke) is primarily a surfing beach and famous for its left-hand break. Further along the coastline sit the breaks of Whale Bay and Indicators. For the less experienced head to Ngaranui Beach.
Surfers come from around the globe to compete in the international surfing competition held here every summer. Thus, the local surfing fraternity is both proud and jealous of its surf.
Raglan Activities
Aside from being a world renown surfing beach, Raglan offers a wide range of activities:
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Beach walks
- Bodyboarding
- Kiteboarding
- Horse riding
