Map › Waikato - Raglan › Raglan (Ngarunui Beach)
Spot · tier 2 · New Zealand
Raglan (Ngarunui Beach)
A multi-discipline west-coast Waikato destination combining a large sheltered harbour/lagoon for flat-water riding with the open surf beach and river mouth for wave riding, backed by a laid-back surf town with cafes and rental/lesson options.
wavesflat waterfreerideintermediate
Wind
| best months |
|
|---|---|
| season notes | Sep-Feb spring/summer is generally the best New Zealand kite season |
| direction to shore | westerly and easterly winds both usable depending on spot |
Water
| type | mixed |
|---|---|
| tides | the harbour/lagoon offers a shallow flat area at low tide; westerlies give a broad reach on the ebb tide |
| standing depth | shallow lagoon at low tide |
Levels
| beginner | yes |
|---|---|
| intermediate | yes |
| advanced | yes |
| notes | harbour entry/river mouth suits flat-water and learners; Ngarunui surf beach suits wave riders |
Launch & crowd
| description | roadside parking near the harbour for kiteboarding; open beach at Ngarunui for waves |
|---|---|
| busy months |
|
| vibe | popular multi-sport surf town, shared with surfers |
Hazards
- rocks around the point break and nearby beach areas
Tips
- Raglan Watersports offers lessons and rental
- river mouth gives perfect flat water; head to Ngarunui beach outside the lagoon for waves
- the town has cool cafes, shops and restaurants for no-wind days
Travel basics
| airport | AKL Auckland International Airport or HLZ Hamilton Airport |
|---|---|
| getting there | Raglan is 46km west of Hamilton by road |
| accommodation | range of options in Raglan town |
| cost level | mid |
| no wind | surfing, cafes, walks in Raglan town |
Sources: web.kite-and-windsurfing-guide.com · kitejungle.com