Summary

Raglan is widely considered the best surf town in New Zealand, and for good reason. First made famous by the cult surf film Endless Summer in 1966, Manu Bay put Raglan on the global surf map with its impossibly long, peeling left-handers. Nestled on the west coast of the North Island, just two hours from Auckland, this laid-back coastal town is a surfer’s paradise.

With a strong surf culture, vibrant community, and world-class waves, surfing in Raglan is an experience every surfer should have on their bucket list.

Why Surf in Raglan?

As soon as you roll into town via the winding roads of Waikato, it’s obvious what Raglan is all about surfing, nature, and a relaxed lifestyle. Surf shops, cafés, and food joints line the main street, and the ocean sets the rhythm of daily life.

Whether you’re chasing long point breaks or mellow beginner waves, Raglan has it all. The town is surrounded by incredible surf spots like Ngarunui Beach (for beginners) and Manu Bay or Whale Bay (for experienced surfers).

Manu Bay is the main show in town!

Manu Bay is Raglan’s famous surf spot and an absolute goofy footer’s paradise. This rocky point break is consistently fed by south westerly ground swells throughout the year and when conditions are favorable, you might just catch the longest wave of your life right here. On a small day, beginners can try to catch a few waves at Manu Bay but what makes it tricky is getting in and out without hitting you or your board on the rocks. Timing is key. 

Throughout the years, New Zealand became a backpackers’ top destination because of its amazing landscapes and the possibility of easily getting a working holiday visa that will allow you to stay in the country for up to 2 years! If such is your desire, Raglan could very well be a good place to settle, work and surf for a while!

When to surf Raglan

Surfing in Raglan, New Zealand is good all year round. However, the best conditions are offered from March to June with lighter winds, less crowds and swell picking up into winter. 

December is when the town really comes to life for summer. Waves are smaller and more crowded during that period as well.

Where to stay in Raglan

Best hotels and resorts in Raglan:

Low budget : Raglan Backpackers is located in the heart of Raglan with a waterfront property.

Best value : Raglan Sunset Motel for a great place to stay, well located and comfortable.

Getting to Raglan

Raglan is located about 2 hours south of Auckland and 45 minutes from Hamilton. You can get there by bus, from Hamilton, or by renting a car and driving to the coast.

Safety/things to know

• Respect the locals at all time.
• Look out for rocks when tide gets low.
• Winds are pretty strong from April to November.
• The best way out is to jump off the rocks right at the peak. Be very careful when doing so as you only get one chance. 

Surf spots in Raglan

Ngarunui beach

The main beach break and the best surf spot for beginners in Raglan. Most of the surf is located right in front of the lifeguard tower and the car park. Works on all tides.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : High
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Manu bay

Manu Bay is Raglan’s most famous surf spot. An extremely long left-hander breaking over rocks that peels nice and slow. On low tide, Manu Bay can get a bit hollow and barrels will be found on a good swell. The higher tide will make the wave a bit more chunky and will require the surfers to manage their speed carefully by staying in the pocket on few occasions. Paddling out can be done from the point which requires a jump off the rocks or from the boat ramp which is easier but will take longer.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Whale bay

Whale Bay is next up the point after Manu Bay and is a bit trickier than Raglan’s famous spot. The takeoff zone is more critical and hollow while the wave itself is faster. Should be kept for advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Indicators

After Whale Bay comes Indicators, the first break in the whole bay. On an epic day, Indicators connects all the way to Manu Bay which is absolutely rare as on most occasions, all three spots break individually. 

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Ruapuke beach

It will take you just under 30 minutes on a dirt road to get to Ruapuke, a beautiful and secluded beach that usually picks up the SW swell better than Raglan. If waves are too small in town, head to Ruapuke where they should be a few feet bigger. The setup is a regular beach break with a little point break on the right.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

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