Raglan – Where Soul Meets Surf

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Looking for your next feature destination, slow travel story, or eco-luxe escape angle? Raglan has evolved. It’s time to revisit this west coast icon with fresh eyes. Media are invited to access our editorial content hub, request famil opportunities, or pitch custom angles—we’re here to help you tell Raglan’s story in a way that’s as original as the town itself.

Overview for Media Use:

There’s something magnetic about Raglan. A town where surfers, artists, and free spirits converge, where every wave breaks with a story, and every laneway pulses with creativity. Framed by lush volcanic hills and the rolling Tasman Sea, Raglan (Whaingaroa) offers more than just a pretty postcard - it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of New Zealand's coastal cool.

From sunrise surf sessions at world-renowned Manu Bay to golden hour gin tastings overlooking the water, this is a destination that invites slow living, barefoot luxury, and creative exploration. Whether it’s a long weekend escape or a feature on conscious coastal communities, Raglan’s layered appeal is ripe for storytelling.

Story Angles

1. Surf Culture with Global Heritage

Manu Bay, Whale Bay, and Ngaranui Beach offer some of the world’s best left-hand surf breaks, and with surf schools ready to welcome beginners, Raglan is as accessible as it is iconic. As featured in the legendary 1964 film The Endless Summer, its surf heritage is globally known yet proudly local.

2. The New Wave of Creative Bohemia

Explore the thriving Raglan arts scene, anchored by the Raglan Old School Arts Centre - a hub for potters, painters, photographers, and fashion designers. Monthly creative markets, flax weavers, and mural-painted landmarks tell a story of a town that wears its creativity on its sleeve.

3. Raglan After Dark: Food, Music & Harbour Sunsets

With a humming café culture by day and live music by night, Raglan knows how to set a mood. A sunset cruise with Raglan Boat Charters is the perfect entrée to an evening that might include tapas under festoon lights, or storytelling with local musicians at the Harbour View Hotel.

4. Eco-Conscious Escapes & Low-Impact Luxury

Raglan has long been at the forefront of sustainability. Visitors can embrace off-grid luxury with:

  • Canopy Camping – Venus: Nestled in the bush with views of the coast, this glamping gem combines comfort with complete immersion in nature.
  • Unyoked Aatea Cabin: A modern, minimalist cabin designed for disconnection and digital detox.
  • Groundswell Eco Properties: Raglan's newest architectural retreats that blur the line between indoor elegance and wild nature.

Each offers a unique vantage point - whether it’s sea views, native bush, or open skies - all united by design-led, eco-conscious living.

5. Soft Adventure & Natural Wonder

For adventure-seeking couples or families, there’s kiteboarding, horse trekking, fishing, and scenic mountain biking. Nearby Bridal Veil Falls and the dramatic Mount Karioi offer unforgettable hikes and lookouts. And for those craving coastal isolation, Ruapuke Beach delivers raw, untamed beauty.

6. A Taste of Raglan – Coastal Flavour, Conscious Plates

Raglan’s food scene is a vibrant mix of locally sourced, globally inspired, and unmistakably West Coast. From sunrise flat whites to ocean-fresh kai moana, the town is packed with flavours that mirror its surfy, soulful vibe. Whether you’re curating a foodie trail, profiling sustainable hospitality, or chasing bold backstories - Raglan’s culinary offering delivers.

Here’s a snapshot of Raglan’s must-visit eateries:

Brunch & Daytime Favourites

The Shack 19 Bow Street | www.theshackraglan.com
Iconic for its fresh, seasonal brunches and street-side sunshine tables.

Raglan Roast Coffee 9 Bow Street | www.raglanroast.co.nz
A Raglan institution—grab a coffee with a view and soak in the surf-town energy.

Rock-It Kitchen 248 Wainui Road | www.rockitraglan.co.nz
Stylish indoor-outdoor spot set just outside town with a top-notch brunch menu and weekend live music.

Casual & Coastal Dining

Raglan Fish Shop 92 Wallis Street (Raglan Wharf) | facebook.com/RaglanFishShop
No-frills, fresh-as-it-gets fish & chips with wharfside charm—BYO sunset.

ULO’s Kitchen 6 Wallis Street | facebook.com/ULOs-Kitchen
Caribbean-inspired eats in a colourful laneway nook—expect bold flavours and warm hospitality.

La La Land 2 Wallis Street | facebook.com/La-La-Land

Eclectic cocktails, quirky décor, and creative bar bites make this a late-night gem.

Elevated Evenings

Workshop Brewing Company 2 Park Drive | www.workshopbrewing.co.nz
Rustic craft brews and chill warehouse vibes—great for golden hour gatherings.

Iso Bar Raglan 23 Bow Street | www.isobarraglan.nz
Cool and coastal with curated cocktails, platters, and harbour views.

Orca Eatery & Bar 2 Wallis Street | www.orcaraglan.nz
Upscale waterfront dining with local seafood and stylish interiors.

Interested in experiencing Raglan first-hand? Fill out our Request a Famil form and we’ll be in touch to help shape your perfect visit.

Whether you're chasing creative inspiration, sustainable stories, or standout visuals, Raglan delivers—and we’re here to help you bring the story to life.