Is Raglan a good place to live

Is Raglan a good place to live?

| Last Updated: September 2023

If you’re on this page, you’re clearly wondering: Is Raglan a good place to live?

Raglan is a good place to live if you enjoy living in a coastal town with beautiful scenery, world-renowned surfing, bohemian vibes, and exploring art galleries. 

But before you pack your bags and head to Raglan, let’s take a closer look at each one of the perks of living in this charming coastal town.

1. Raglan has beautiful scenery 

The beautiful scenery in Raglan is undeniably one of the greatest perks of living here. Known for its stunning landscapes, the town is a haven for those seeking to connect with nature without straying too far from the comforts of modern living.

Here are a few places in Raglan that highlight the best of this town’s beautiful scenery!

Ruapuke Scenic Reserve

Ruapuke Scenic Reserve is known for its lush native bush. Walking trails weave their way through the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this tranquil environment. 

Among the highlights of the Ruapuke Scenic Reserve are the breathtaking views it offers. From certain vantage points within the reserve, you can gaze out over the rolling hills and farmland characterising this part of New Zealand. 

On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Tasman Sea in the distance.

Wainui Reserve 

Wainui Reserve has beautiful coastal landscapes and lush native bush views. The reserve covers a large area, including the stunning Wainui Beach. This beach is known for its long, golden sand and clear waters. 

In addition to the beach, Wainui Reserve also features a number of walking tracks through native bushes. These tracks offer visitors the chance to experience New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna up close. 

Some trails lead up to lookout points, offering breathtaking views over the Tasman Sea and the surrounding countryside.

Te Toto Gorge Lookout

Te Toto Gorge Lookout has one of the most stunning panoramic views in the region. The lookout gives you a peek at the spectacular Te Toto Gorge, a dramatic landscape carved out by ancient volcanic activity. 

A short but steep track leads to the lookout, winding through lush native bush. The trail can be challenging, but the reward at the top is worth every step. From the lookout, you can enjoy sweeping views of the rugged coastline, the Tasman Sea, and the verdant Waikato countryside.

The gorge itself is also a sight to behold. Steep cliffs drop down into the deep ravine, with native vegetation clinging to the rocky sides.

Ngarunui Beach 

This beach provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A walking track leads to the beach, offering stunning views of the coastline along the way. 

The golden sands are bordered by towering cliffs and lush greenery. The clear, blue waters of the Tasman Sea lap against the shore, creating perfect conditions for swimming and surfing.

Bridal Veil Falls 

This breathtaking waterfall cascades over a basalt cliff, falling approximately 55 meters (180 feet) into a pool below. 

The walkway to the falls is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. There are viewing platforms at the top and bottom of the falls, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the falls from different perspectives. 

2. Raglan offers amazing surfing year-round

Raglan is renowned worldwide for its surf breaks that challenge even the most seasoned surfers. But you’re probably thinking that a lot of other places have that, so what makes Raglan so special?

Well, what specifically sets Raglan apart from other surf destinations is its ability to offer waves all year round. While other surf spots may have seasonal tides, Raglan’s waters are always ready to welcome surfers. 

This consistency is a significant perk for residents, allowing them to enjoy their favourite sport regardless of the season. Surfing is more than just a sport here—it’s a way of life. 

Below are two of the best surf spots in Raglan!

Manu Bay

Surfers from all corners of the globe travel to Manu Bay to experience its legendary waves. The bay gained international fame after being featured in the 1966 surf movie “The Endless Summer,” which showcased the world’s best surf spots.

The bay is world-renowned for its long, consistent left-hand break, making it a paradise for surfers. The waves at Manu Bay can hold a swell of up to 10 feet and provide rides of up to 300 meters long. 

It has point break waves, meaning the wave breaks against a point sticking out from the coastline, resulting in waves that are great for longboarding, shortboarding, and everything in between.

Whale Bay

Whale Bay is another fantastic surfing spot renowned for its consistent left-hand break. Whale Bay is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its powerful waves and rocky bottom. 

The wave here breaks over a reef and can offer rides up to 200 meters long when conditions are right. It’s a point break that produces a high-quality, fast, and hollow wave, offering an exhilarating ride for those with the skills to tackle it.

3. Raglan has a charming bohemian atmosphere 

Raglan is a coastal town that exudes a distinct bohemian atmosphere. It’s known for its eclectic shops and laid-back lifestyle, making it a bucket-list destination for those seeking a Boho way of life. 

.From vintage clothing and homewares to locally made crafts and unique knick-knacks, the local shops offer a unique retail experience that reflects the town’s bohemian spirit. 

Here are our team’s top Bohemian shops in Raglan!

Bohemian Gypsy

Bohemian Gypsy, a local favourite, inspires visitors to live a free-spirited life. From flowy dresses and handcrafted jewellery to unique homeware, dreamcatchers, tapestries and incense, every product in this shop is designed to inspire a sense of freedom and adventure.

The shop also offers an array of accessories, including hats, bags, and scarves. These pieces are perfect for adding a touch of boho-chic to any outfit.

Atamira

Atamira has become a destination for those seeking unique, high-quality products that embody the relaxed yet Boho vibe of Raglan. 

This shop offers a fresh and eclectic style for both women and men. The clothing selection ranges from casual beachwear to chic evening attire, all reflecting a distinctively laid-back yet sophisticated aesthetic.

You’ll also find beautiful ceramics, art prints, handcrafted jewellery, and other unique items that make perfect gifts or additions to your own home.

ULO

Raglan’s retro vibes are reflected in ULO’s collection, which includes one-of-a-kind vintage clothing pieces, vinyl records from various decades, and unique artworks.

From dresses and shirts to jackets and accessories, each piece has been carefully selected for its quality and style. If you see something you like, snag it quickly because their collection is constantly changing!

Even their vinyl record collection is a treat. With genres ranging from rock and pop to jazz and blues, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

Zinnia 

For homeware enthusiasts, Zinnia offers a mix of vintage and new homewares and gifts. They carry a selection of items, from beautiful ceramics and textiles to unique art pieces—all add a touch of style and personality to your home, making it feel more cosy and inviting.

The shop also has a great selection of books, making it an ideal spot for bookworms looking for a cosy reading corner.

4. Raglan has great art galleries

Raglan is a treasure trove of artistic expression, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts. These art galleries are not just spaces for displaying art—they are cultural hubs that celebrate creativity, diversity, and the unique spirit of Raglan.

Some of our team’s top-voted art galleries in Raglan to check out are listed below.

The Wharf Gallery is situated by the water’s edge at the historic Raglan Wharf. The gallery showcases a diverse selection of artwork from local and regional artists. 

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply a casual observer, the Wharf Gallery offers an engaging experience. Here, visitors can explore a variety of mediums, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, and more.

The gallery aims to provide a platform for emerging and established artists alike, celebrating the wealth of creativity found within the Raglan community and beyond.

Kanuka Design Gallery is a go-to destination for art lovers and those looking for handcrafted treasures. The gallery offers a diverse range of pieces, including original artwork, ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, and more. 

In addition to being a gallery, Kanuka also offers a range of art workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to learn new skills and engage with the local creative community. 

La Petite Galerie 

La Petite Galerie is a small but enchanting art space that displays a wide variety of art forms, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, prints, and more. 

One of the standout features of La Petite Galerie is its commitment to supporting local talent. By providing a platform for artists to exhibit and sell their work, the gallery plays a significant role in bolstering the region’s vibrant art scene.

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