Surfing in Raglan: Manu Bay, Whale Bay, Indicators and Ngarunui Beach

Overview

Raglan is a small town on the Waikato west coast that has built its identity around surfing. Its fame comes from a long left-hand break that runs along a rocky shoreline across three bays. Manu Bay featured in the 1966 film The Endless Summer, and the Raglan Point Boardriders club was founded in 1962.

Raglan suits two very different surfers: experienced riders chasing the point breaks, and complete beginners learning on the sandy beach break at Ngarunui.

The main surf spots

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism says the three point breaks can link up on a big swell, giving rides of more than two kilometres. It describes waves of four to six feet as typical, and sometimes much bigger.

Learning to surf at Ngarunui

Ngarunui Beach is where Raglan's beginners learn. Its tamer waves break over sand rather than rock. Raglan Surf School teaches there year round and describes itself as New Zealand's first surf school.

Ngarunui is also popular with swimmers in summer. Stay out of the flagged swimming area when you're on a board.

When to go

• Lessons run year round at Ngarunui.
• The point breaks need a solid swell. Check a surf forecast and the wind before driving out.
• Summer is warmest and busiest, with lifeguards on patrol at Ngarunui. Check patrol times on Safeswim.

Getting there and facilities

Ngarunui Beach and the point breaks are west of Raglan township, along the coast road towards Mt Karioi. The town has surf shops, board shapers, cafés and accommodation. The Raglan Museum has an exhibition on the area's surfing history.

Surf etiquette: Raglan's Surfers Code

Raglan's line-ups are busy, and locals expect visitors to know the rules. Hamilton & Waikato Tourism asks visitors to read Raglan's Surfers Code (linked in the sources) before they paddle out. The basics:

• Don't drop in on someone already riding a wave.
• If someone is riding a wave, paddle to one side of their path.
• Surf within your ability. The rocky points are no place to learn.

Safety

• The point breaks run over rock. Know where you'll get in and out before you paddle out, and wear a leg rope.
• Rips form beside headlands and rocks. If you're caught in one, Relax and float, Raise your hand, Ride the rip.
• If in doubt, don't paddle out.

Nearby

Raglan is in the Waikato region. See our Hamilton city guide for more things to do nearby.