Travelling in New Zealand is an adventure, with its winding roads offering breathtaking views of the country’s striking landscapes. One such journey that’s worth every turn is the trip to the coastal town of Raglan, renowned for its world-class surf, vibrant arts scene, and laid-back lifestyle. 

The main ways to get to Raglan are by plane, bus, and car. Your choice of transport depends on how quickly you want to get from one place to the next and how much you want to see on your journey. 

We’ve had a few mishaps on our previous adventures to this town, so after trial and error, we’ve got travelling to Raglan down like pros. We’ll take you step-by-step on how to reach this charming beach town from major cities in New Zealand.

How to get to Raglan by plane 

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Difficulty	Easy ●●○○○
Number of steps	Five
Time to get to Raglan	Varies depending on where you’re coming from
Things you need	Plane tickets Transportation to and from the airport

1. Familiarize yourself with the airports servicing Raglan and the travel time and prices. The nearest major airport to Raglan is Hamilton International Airport. 

Depending on where you’re travelling from, your travel time and ticket prices will vary. Below are some estimated round-trip ticket prices and the general travel time to Hamilton Airport from major cities in NZ.

(Tip: We recommend using Google Flights to keep an eye on prices!)

• From Auckland – 300+ NZD (At least 4 hours) 
• From Christchurch – 190+ NZD (1 hour 20 minutes) 
• From Wellington – 150+ NZD (1 hours) 
• From Dunedin – 154+ NZD (1 hour 50 minutes) 

2. Select an airline and book your tickets. Choose an airline that offers flights to Hamilton International Airport. 

Several airlines, like Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, and Originair, serve this airport. 

Visit the respective airline websites or consult with a travel agent to book your tickets in advance. Booking your tickets early ensures you secure a seat and allows you to take advantage of any promotional fares or discounts.

3. Prepare for your trip. Before your journey to Raglan, pack appropriate clothing for your trip, considering the weather in Raglan during your visit. 

As Raglan is known for its surf breaks, don’t forget to pack your swimwear and beach gear if you plan on hitting the waves. Other things to prepare include ensuring you have a valid passport or ID, and we recommend figuring out how you will reach the airport from your departure city. 

Depending on where you’re flying from, some options to consider are driving, taking public transportation, or even arranging a shuttle service. Whatever you decide, make sure to allow sufficient time for travel to avoid any last-minute rush.

4. Get to the airport on time for your flight! So you’ve made it to the airport. All you have to do now is have your boarding pass in hand and relax. 

5. Arrive at Hamilton Airport and travel to Raglan. After reaching Hamilton International Airport, you will need to travel the remaining distance to Raglan. 

Consider the following options:

Taxi/Cab: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Inform the driver of your destination, and they will take you directly to Raglan.

Rental Car: If you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, several car rental companies operate at Hamilton Airport. Book your rental in advance to secure the vehicle of your choice.

Shuttle Service: Various shuttle services operate between Hamilton Airport and Raglan. These services offer convenient transportation with the added benefit of local knowledge.

How to get to Raglan by bus 

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Difficulty	Easy ●●○○○
Number of steps	Four
Time to get to Raglan	Varies depending on where you’re coming from
Things you need	Bus tickets

1. If you are coming from a city other than Auckland, get to Auckland first. Your mode of transportation to get to Auckland will depend on you.

2. Purchase your bus tickets. To get to Raglan, you’ll need to purchase Intercity bus tickets. Make sure to buy your bus tickets in advance because tickets tend to sell out quickly! 

3. Take the intercity bus from Auckland to Hamilton-Central.

4. Once you arrive in Hamilton, transfer to Busit bus 23 for Raglan (Wainui Road) 

How to get to Raglan by car 

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Difficulty	Mild ●●●○○
Number of steps	Three
Time to get to Raglan	Varies depending on where you’re coming from
Things you need	Car GPS navigation Snacks and drinks for the road

1. Plan your route. Depending on where you’re coming from and what time you leave for Raglan, your route may vary. 

We use Google Maps or Apple Maps when we make the road trip to Raglan. Here are some common route directions for a few major cities in NZ. 

From Auckland: (at least 1 hour and 46 min) 

• Get on SH1 in Grafton. 
• Follow SH1 to State Hwy 39 in Horotiu. Take the State Hwy 39 exit.
• Drive to State Hwy 23 in Raglan. 

From Wellington: (at least 6 hours and 35 min) 

• Get on SH 1 in Piptea from Jervois Quay, Waterloo Quay and Aotea Quay
• Follow SH 1 to Volcanic Loop Hwy/State Hwy 49 in Waiouru 
• Turn left onto Volcanic Loop Hwy/State Hwy 49. Follow signs for Mount Board/Ohakune/National Park. 
• Continue on State Hwy 4 to Otorohanga. 
• Continue on State Hwy 39. Drive to State Hwy 23 in Raglan. 

From Christchurch: 

• Get to SH1.  Follow SH 1 to Kent St in Picton. 
• Follow Kent St and Lagoon Rd to Wellington-Picton. 
• Take the Wellington-Picton (Interislander Cook Strait Ferry).
• Get on SH 1 in Ngauranga, Wellington from Hutt Rd.
• Follow SH 1, Volcanic Loop Hwy/State Hwy 49 and State Hwy 4 to State Hwy 31/State Hwy 39 in Otorohanga. 
• Continue on State Hwy 39. Drive to State Hwy 23 in Raglan. 

From Dunedin:

• Follow Jetty St to SH 1.
• Follow SH 1 to Kent St in Picton.
• Follow Kent St and Lagoon Rd to Wellington-Picton (Interislander Cook Strait Ferry).
• Take the Wellington-Picton (Interislander Cook Strait Ferry).
• Get on SH 1 in Ngauranga, Wellington from Hutt Rd.
• Follow SH 1 to State Hwy 41 in Turangi.
• Continue on State Hwy 41. Take State Hwy 32 and Waipapa Rd to State Hwy 3 in Kihikihi. 
• Turn right onto State Hwy 3. (Signs for Te Awamutu) 
• Take State Hwy 39 to State Hwy 23 in Raglan. 

2. Prepare your car for the long road ahead of you. Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and ready for the journey. 

Check your engine oil and fluids, inspect your tires and pack emergency supplies. Also, fuel up your gas tank before leaving. 

We carry an extra gallon of gas in our cars in case of an emergency. The last thing you need is to end up stranded on the road. 

3. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Depending on the city you’re starting in, your drive to Raglan may take several hours. So have some snacks, water, and anything you think you’ll need so you don’t go hungry along the way.