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.

The Old School Arts Centre is run by the Raglan Community Arts Council Inc.in a 19th century heritage building in Stewart St, Raglan, New Zealand. The Arts Council is a charity, supporting the arts in Raglan and acting as an an umbrella organisation for Raglan groups & individuals involved in creativity, arts and craft. The Old School Arts Centre is for the arts community and friends of the arts in Raglan, Whaingaroa, New Zealand. Exhibitions and arts workshops as advertised. Movies two weekends a month. The Clay Shed, a community pottery is a very active part of the centre. Acoustic music gigs as advertised by local and visiting performers. Raglan Creative Market on second Sunday of each month, rain or shine, with local food & crafts.

As you descend, you’ll climb and abseil the cascading waterfalls all whilst under the light of your head torch, and the luminescent shine of the glow worms! Feel safe in the company of an experienced guide, as they lead you on a great adventure. Throughout the trip hear the stories, history, and knowledge of the landscape and local area from your passionate guide. As darkness falls, you’ll begin to see the luminescent transformation take place. Witness new worlds of light being created by the native New Zealand glowworms who call this place home. Take a minute to stop for a moment of peace and tranquillity, with a hot cup of freshly made Kawakawa tea. All equipment, photos and instruction is provided.

The Private Family or Group surf lesson is designed to provide one instructor specifically for your family or group as opposed to being included in a larger group. The lesson outline is flexible to suit different ages and skill levels. Our instructors are friendly, enthusiastic and keen to pass on their surfing knowledge to both parents and kids alike. Booking times are flexible to suit the best tides on our beach as well as your families needs. The surf lesson starts at Ngarunui beach with all wetsuits and boards provided for both kids and adults.

A volunteer heritage railway group providing the public with steam &/or diesel train rides on 5km of the old Rotowaro to Glen Afton branch line 12km drive west of Huntly. Open days operate on the first Sunday of every month. For other dates or to charter a train for your group contact the Secretary by email. The Open Day ticket covers rides on the main train between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Rides on an old bush "jigger" are usually available at a small extra cost. Souvenirs, a sausage sizzle, other food items and drinks are normally available on Open Days. We have EFTPOS. As well as train rides, the railway has a significant collection of heritage industrial railway items on display, much of which came from the coal & timber industries.

Discover the Famous Pancake Rocks with Raglan Kayak. Step into an ancient world on our signature Limestone Express kayak tour. Backed by 20+ years of local expertise and a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award putting us in the top 10% of activities worldwide, our passionate guides bring Raglan’s spectacular coastline to life. You’ll paddle straight into the heart of the iconic Pancake Rocks, navigating a unique limestone labyrinth only accessible by kayak. Discover hidden beaches, spot local wildlife, and hear captivating stories of our rich culture and legends. Fully equipped, safe, and family-friendly (ages 8+), this top-rated guided excursion is an unforgettable way to experience Whāingaroa. Book today.