Off The Beaten Track - The Beach Cottage

Raglan Boat Charters is located at the Raglan Wharf on Whaingaroa Harbour, the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, 40 kms from Hamilton and approx 150kms from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. About our Cruises: Departing Raglan Wharf aboard the Wahinemoe to explore the charm of Whaingaroa Harbour – cruise past large conservation reserves, farmland and fishing villages. You will see marine wildlife and ancient limestone rock formations, and listen to fascinating tales about the history and culture of this very special area. Your friendly skipper and crew will take great care of you and make sure you have a magical experience. The sunset cruise is the best and its extremely rare on the west coast to find such an excellent viewpoint.

Grab your climbing partner and come learn the fundamentals of lead rock climbing on bolted sport routes, with some of New Zealand’s highest qualified instructors. We will have you lead climbing before you know it. The course will cover: Lead belaying, quickdraw placement, clipping methods, safety considerations, how to lower and clean a route safely and lots of climbing. Get in touch now to book yourself onto one of these awesome days. Whether you are a beginner taking the next step, or a seasoned pro, that has perhaps had some time away and wants to sharpen up their skills before going alone once more, we’ve got you covered. Equipment, from our office to the crag and back and free photos all included.

Surf Lessons for all levels from beginner to advanced. Ngarunui Beach in Raglan is the perfect place to learn to surf or improve your surfing. Surf Safe Surf School is very popular with tourists and kiwis. We cater for singles, couples, groups, Families and kids ages 7-15 years. Max of 8 Adults or kids for Surfing lessons. Head Surf Coach Steve Freeman was trained in Europe under the British Surfing Association. Steve is an ISA level 3 Coach and an ISA Surf Contest Judge. Try our 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 day surfing course. Soft boards, wetsuits and high viz rash vests, photos provided.

Nikau Cave is less than 90 minutes drive southwest of Auckland, has thousands of glowworms and amazing formations, but no crowds. The 90 minute tour is personal and unhurried. Located on a working farm, the cave is 1km long with a stream running through it and is in its natural state. Most of the cave is open and spacious, except for a 12m length which must be crawled through. We provide a helmet and flashlight. A moderate level of fitness is required and a change of clothes and shoes with good tread. Surrounded by a river, the café is designed to showcase the stunning landscape. The seasonally inspired menu offers a range of fresh and locally produced dishes and drinks. Bookings are essential for caving.

Escape the crowds and join Raglan Rock to explore the closest caving network to Hamilton City Centre. The original pioneer’s tour follows the first mapped route of the Karamu Cave. Descend into the beautiful natural limestone chasms and experience an out of this world adventure. A peaceful walk through the Karamu cave stream leads past a few fun wriggly squeezes before entering the magnificent auditorium, where the exciting wriggle and squeeze known as the keyhole leads you to a different world. Karamu cave is a treasure trove of delicate and prehistoric formations; stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and crystals, as well as showcasing many fossils, from cockles to kina shells. Come sink your teeth into the adventure for everyone.

Test your personal limits as you top rope climb the ancient fossil limestone cliffs of Stone Valley. With spectacular views of the countryside, boulder valleys, and the extinct volcanoe of Mt Pirongia, it’s a high energy adventure. Your fully qualified and experienced guide will teach you the safest form of climbing there is and impart knowledge, such as rock identification, belaying, equipment selection and equipment checking. Not only are our guides excellent climbing instructors, but they are a dab hand of getting those awesome insta shots whilst you’re scaling the face, of all which you will receive for free. All equipment, photos and instruction is provided with free pick up and drop off available from Raglan.