Talented artists, boutique stores and eclectic cafes characterise Raglan, considered one of the gems of the Waikato. It’s only 45 minutes’ drive from Hamilton but a world away from city life. Its inhabitants and visitors take relaxation seriously and no one’s in a hurry.
A long weekend here is guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated. Make the most of your time in town with our guide to 48 Hours in Raglan.
On the Way
While getting here has its challenges – SH23 from Hamilton winds around extinct volcanoes and is steep and narrow in parts – there are many interesting sights en route and the trip is worth it. The Taitua Arboretum, a few kilometres out of Hamilton, comprises 20 hectares of open pasture, lakes and woodland gardens and is open daily. A little further on is the Four Brothers Reserve, a picturesque picnic spot lined with impressive limestone bluffs.
Closer to Raglan, Bridal Veil Falls (Wairēinga) is a must-see. Around 13km off the main highway near Te Mata, the 55m waterfall is surrounded by native bush and viewing platforms provide spectacular views. These falls are said to be higher than Niagara, and are best seen from the top lookout, a 10-minute walk from the Kawhia Rd car park. It’s one of the Raglan area’s biggest highlights.
Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls (from the middle platform), Raglan. Photo: Em Oyston, Senior DOC Ranger (biodiversity) A photo posted by Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) on
What to do
Raglan itself has something for everyone; the West Coast town has come a long way in the past two decades. Once a sleepy village populated largely by retirees, Raglan was discovered in the 1990s and people began vying for pieces of it. Property prices boomed. The town reinvented itself and is now full of art galleries showcasing work by locals, the aforementioned boutique shops, and cafes that often double as vibrant bars, making Raglan a popular spot day or night.
Check out the arts and crafts trail, on which you can meet some of Raglan’s best creative talents and hear how the region inspires them.
You can’t go past Raglan if you’re into water sports; the area’s black sand beaches make it an aquatic paradise worth exploring. Explore the harbour on foot or by kayak or boat, or head out of town down Wainui Rd and continue west to Manu Bay, which is world-renowned for its surf.
Another 2km along Whaanga Rd is rugged Whale Bay, nestled at the foot of the forbidding 755m Mt Karioi. A climb to the summit here is hard work, and reaching the car park means negotiating a one-lane gravel road curving round the seaward side of the mountain, but the views are amazing.
What to eat
Back in town, The Harbour View Hotel serves hearty comfort food including delicious burgers. The food and its extensive wine list and cosy atmosphere make it a worthwhile spot for dinner.
For lunch, wander over to Valentes Outwest (formerly Vinnie’s). No Raglan visit is complete without dining here. An institution that some locals believe sparked the changes in the town’s fortunes, Valentes has been at various times a church, school, town hall and pizza parlour. Seafood, exotic dishes and vegetarian options are all on the menu and the portions are generous.
Raglan really has it all. As the sun sets it’s hard to imagine a better place to be.
Featured image by Jodie Wilson
