Raglan is a small beach community just west of Hamilton in New Zealand’s North Island. It is famed for its surf beaches, particularly its rare left-hand break. Nearby Manu Bay was the setting for the classic sixties surf movie The Endless Summer.
South of the town is Mount Karioi, an extinct volcano. This hill is one of several striking local walks, as the rain forest on the slopes flows down to meet the sea at Whale Bay. This bay is also accessible by boat, or on a surfing or fishing tour.
Not far from there, you’ll find Bridal Veil Falls, a stunning waterfall whose ease of access makes it very popular with tourists.
More intrepid explorers can try Nikau Cave. The cavern itself is just over a kilometre long, and while it has a stream running through it, most of it can be easily walked.
In Raglan township itself, the Old School Arts Centre is used as a heritage and crafting community by the local Arts Council.
