Quintessentially Kiwi: 3 days itinerary
Just south of Raglan is the smaller but equally appealing west coast town of Kawhia, the spiritual and ancestral home of the region’s Maori tribe, Tainui. Otorohanga, the self-proclaimed ‘Kiwiana’ capital of NZ is next on the list, followed by glowworm and caving adventures in the renowned Waitomo Caves.
Day 1: Hamilton to Raglan
Drive to Raglan, 45 mins drive from the centre of Hamilton.
Raglan is known as a surf town with an artistic flavour and its world famous left hand surf break.
In Raglan
- Bridal Veil Falls, 7 kms before Raglan – excellent for a picnic and native bush walk. The view is good from the top, and even better if you take the steps to the bottom
- Hire a bike and cycle round the picturesque and laidback town
- Hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard to explore the harbour or take a sunset cruise
- Fish from the wharf with the locals, or take a charter trip out across the bar. And if you happen to be unlucky catching your own, the locals recommend the Fish and Chips Shop at the Wharf
- Cool off with a swim at Ngarunui (Ocean Beach) – always remember to swim between the flags and take your jandals – the black sand of the dunes gets burning hot. The harbour is another swimming option
- Watch the kitesurfers take to the air above the waves on a windy day
- Learn to surf at the surfing school – then test yourself at Manu Bay, the longest left hand break in the world.
- Check out the shops, cafes, arts and crafts – this creative town has quite a personality
Overnight with a view of the Raglan harbour or the wild west coast
Day 2: Raglan to Ōtorohanga via Kawhia
Head over the hill to Kawhia (allow 1 hour).
Kawhia is a coastal village known for its hot water spring on Ocean Beach where you can dig your own bath.
In Kawhia
- The fishing’s great – drop a line from the wharf, go floundering or head out with a chartered boat
- Check out the arts and crafts galleries and the harbour-front museum and information centre (centre open Wed to Sun, Labour weekend to Easter)
- See Maketu Marae – burial place of the Tainui canoe that brought the first people to the region
- Walk to Ocean Beach at low tide and dig your own hot pool in the shallows.
Drive to Otorohanga (50 mins), known for its Kiwiana culture and displays along with the Kiwi House.
In Otorohanga
- Seek out the Kiwiana walk off the main street. Printed guides are available from one of the main street shops or isite
- Visit the Kiwi House where you are guaranteed to see a kiwi and other native species. The grounds are a good place for a picnic.
- To finish the day enjoy a cold beer at the Thirsty Weta Bar and Eatery or one of the other bars/cafes in town.
Stay overnight in a farmstay or other accommodation or head further south to Waitomo (15 mins)
Day 3: Ōtorohanga to Hamilton via Waitomo
Take SH3 south to Waitomo.
The world famous cave system with its myriad glowworms has every option from spectacular walks to the adrenalin rush of black water rafting and abseiling.
In Waitomo and surrounds
- Explore the magical glowworm caves by taking a cave tour (a number of options are available).
- Challenge yourself with a 100m abseil into the Lost World
- Check out Ruakuri natural tunnel and bush walk
- Get your heart pumping by going black water rafting or tubing there are plenty of options depending on time and adrenalin level
- Take in an entertaining farm show
- Enjoy some delicious local fare at HuHu Cafe
Head back to Hamilton (drive time 1 hour 45 mins)
