After exploring the underground world of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves it was time to head to the Waikato Region and explore the coastal town of Raglan. Raglan held fond memories for my Dad who as a child used to have many surfing holidays here. Kiwi’s like many others love to surf. I very quickly realised why my Dad loved it here and why he was keen to bring us here to experience this beautiful coastline.
If you are into surfing then this is one great place to come and explore. Raglan is popular for its world class surf breaks. If you are like my Mum and not a surfer then you should still have it on your to go list as its beautiful. You can take a stroll along the black sandy beach, coastline and visit the nearby Bridal Veil Falls.
Whilst in Raglan you should try the Raglan Pale Ale. Raglan is home to Raglan Brewing Co which was established in 2015.
7 Places We Explored in Raglan
- Whale Bay
- Manu Bay
- Raglan Coastline
- Ngarunui Ocean Beach
- Raglan Bridge
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Raglan Town
Whale Bay
Whale Bay is a popular surfing spot for experienced surfers. It’s a place to come and relax, watch the surfers and stroll along the black sandy beach if you’re not on a surfboard. The surfers etiquette is clearly visible for all surfers to be aware of and abide.
Raglan Coastline
Between Whale Bay and Manu Bay we stopped for a stroll along the coast to experience the picturesque area and walk along a pathway which lead to the rocks. It really was a beautiful area. The New Zealand flax being dominant along the coastline. The flax making for great photo opportunities.
Manu Bay
Manu Bay which is also known as “The Point” is an iconic beach in Raglan known by surfers for its left hand breaks. The breaks are said to be the longest rides in the world! For a non surfer I can see why this bay draws the surfers but also the non surfers!! This entire area is a photographers dream.
Ngarunui Ocean Beach
Ngarunui Ocean Beach is another black sandy beach where you will find fisherman placing their catch into their buckets, horses riding along the beach and families enjoying the great outdoors. If you are looking for a place to practise surfing this is the beach to head to.
Raglan Bridge
From Raglan town we walked across the Raglan footbridge which was a haven for kids and young at heart. Whilst crossing the bridge we stopped and watched the adventurous jump from the bridge into the waters below. The bridge crosses an inlet of the Raglan Harbour.
The bridge itself makes for another photo opportunity with its lovely colours.
Once you go over the bridge you come across a playground full of kids and nearby a skate and bike ramps where kids were testing their skills out on the jumps.
Raglan Town
Just a few minutes walk from the Raglan Bridge is the town of Raglan. Here you are spoilt for choice of places to eat or grab a refreshment. The town is quite small but has a lovely feel to it.
Bridal Veil Falls
Just 15mins to the south of Raglan you’ll find the Bridal Veil Falls also known as the Waireinga Falls. The falls 55m high are considered a plunge waterfall. The falls have created a beautiful pool at the base of the falls which you can walk to.
You can view the Bridal Veil Falls from 3 lookout points. If you are unable to tackle stairs you can opt to walk through the bushland along the Pakoka River trail and view the falls from above. It’s a lovely ,short 10 min walk to be rewarded with looking down on the beautiful falls and to the pool below.
Are you fit and able to tackle either 135 or 261 steps?
If so, totally recommend you tackle the stairs and make your way to either the midway lookout point or to the bottom of the falls. As you make your way down to the pool there are a couple of view points to admire the Bridal Veil Falls.
Once you reach the bottom of the falls, it is very refreshing and scenic. It’s easy to see how the falls got their name!! Take time out to soak up the beauty and read up about the waters journey that flows through the Bridal Veil Falls before taking the 261 steps back to the top!!
Bridal Veil Falls Location
Kawhia Rd, Makomako 3895, New Zealand
Places We Explored On The North Island
Take a look at the below links of other beautiful places we explored on the North Island. Note these are just a few of the amazing places to take an adventure. We still have so many places to explore!! If anyone tells you that 10 days is enough to explore, think twice!! Suggest you take at least 3-4 weeks.
- Lake Taupo
- Waitomo Caves
- Rotorua including Redwoods Forest, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua Gondola
- Thames the start of the Coromandel Peninsula
- Coromandel Peninsula including Hot Water Beach, Catherine Gorge
- Karangahake Gorge, southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula
- Warkworth
Feedback/Comment
Is this an area of New Zealand that you have explored? Can you share with us your experiences in Raglan or any other parts of New Zealand? We’d love to hear about them!
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