Partway down the west coast of North Island sits the little town of Raglan. With a year round population of about 4,000, this small, coastal town is an internationally known surfing spot. Its famous surf and relaxed lifestyle act as a magnet for serious surfers from around the globe. Here is a place that embraces surfing visitors and provides them with a great experience.

Surfers from all over flood into this picturesque area to experience the exhilaration of conquering the waves. Several surfing competitions are held in the area in recognition of the world-class surf that can be found in the vicinity of Raglan. With the influx of visitors, Raglan has had to respond by providing accommodations and activities that will keep all visitors interested in returning, not just the surfers.

Places to stay in the Raglan area range from simple campground to a five star lodge and everything in between. You can camp, rent a room, stay in a cozy B&B, or stay in a motel/hotel or apartment. There is a place to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Some places to stay are:

Spending time camping in Raglan will thrill you. Raglan Holiday Park offers a mix of camping whether you are pitching a tent, wish to stay in an Oceanside cottage, or driving your home away from home, this park offers everything included a front row seat to the ocean view. Geared to create a self-contained virtual island, surrounded by water on three sides, this park offers a communal kitchen. Showers, recreational areas (including a skateboard park), a beach, laundry facilities, Internet access are all contained within the campground. Town is just a short walk away over a pretty footbridge.

Tucked away ten minutes from Raglan is the aptly named Hidden Valley Retreat. Indulgence combined with eco sensitivity has created a very memorable experience for their guests. Offering their guests three types of accommodations, privacy and views are evident in the seclusion. Activity packages for just about everyone are available whether you want to golf, surf, explore on horseback, unleash the kid in you, or just have a pampered getaway.

The Raglan Sunset Motel sits just 100m from the edge of the spectacular coastline offers all the amenities of motels in larger centers. No matter what your needs are, they can be met by their fully equipped conference center, spa pool, off street parking, a licenced bar, 18 motel rooms, 7 suites with kitchettes, two apartments and one small house.

If you are looking for a more intimate stay but still want the amenities of a hotel, the Harbor View Hotel might be just the accommodations for you. With its outdoors Garden bar, small Veranda Bar, Harbor View Hotel, 9 rooms, and upper deck with an incredible view; this small hotel is charming and affordable. In the town’s center, the hotel is within walking distance to the harbor.

When you are seeking the luxury of five star accommodations, look no further than Waoku Lodge at Whale Bay. Set on 14 acres, the lodge offers luxurious apartments with spectacular views. Pampering and romance is what Waoku Lodge is all about with its day spa, fresh fruit, garden fresh flowers, private meals served in your apartment, and all the amenities that the discerning visitor might want.

Although Raglan may be small, it offers a diverse range of place to choose from when you are booking your visit. Just make sure that you book early so that you are not disappointed.

New Zealand has some incredible surfing areas and the North Island offers up some of the best areas in the world. The waters off of North Island seldom require you to wear a wetsuit in the summer but it is a necessity in the winter as water temperatures drop.

The West Coast is home to Raglan, a small costal town that is renowned for its great surf. One of the most striking features of this area its black volcanic sand beaches. Combine these stunning beaches with terrific breaks and you get terrific experience.

The area around Raglan offers a number of places to ride the waves. If you want to spend your vacation surfing and not driving to different beaches, this is an area to consider. If there are people with you that don’t surf, there are plenty of activities for them as well.

A short distance from Raglan is a series of breaks that provide some diverse surfing. From the beginner to the expert, every surfer will find a area to surf that will thrill and amaze you.

Beginners are well advised to take lessons and then head to Ngaranui Beach, which is about 4 km from the town. The sandy bottom and gentle surf provides forgiveness when your board skills aren’t very well honed. Although the surf won’t challenge more skilled surfers, it will challenge novice surfers.

Expert surfers will immediately make for Manu Bay, also called The Point. Very popular with surfers, the surf here is world class and conquering it sends you on an exhilarating adrenaline high. The left break gives long, consistent waves. Imagine catching the optimum wave and riding it for 10 minutes or so. This is a rocky area so only experts should attempt it.

Whale Bay with its rocky shore and green surf provides some terrific surfing. Further along the coast about 35km, Ruapuke Beach offers incredible surfing. It is a given that if Manu Bay is running flat, Ruapuke Beach will have great waves.

No matter what your skill level, the Raglan area has surf that will meet your skill level and exceed your expectations. Head to Raglan on your next surfing vacation and you will be back again and again.

We all know that traveling, especially with a family, is an expensive undertaking. Although most places have things to see that are inexpensive or free, we often find out about them once we are there and they don’t fit into our crammed schedule. New Zealand is no different.

One of the great things about New Zealand is the spectacular scenery. No matter where you go, you will encounter breathtaking views. Why not spend a few days taking in the sights without any cost of admission? Both South Island and North Island have panoramic vistas to drink in but, in my view, a drive along the Tutukaka Coast is one of the best.

Driving down the scenic Tutukaka Coast not only gives you amazing scenery but it will take you to places that will enthrall you.

Just a few kilometers from Whangarei, the magnificent Whangarei Falls are a bit off the beaten track but easily found. All you have to do is follow the signs and pack a picnic lunch. This 26-meter drop in the Hatea River is worth spending time at. Walk the bridge that overlooks the falls or walk down to the bottom, either choice will give you unparalleled views.

As you drive further toward the coast, near Glenbervie, you will see great examples of dry-stone walls on both sides of the road. These walls have stood the test of time and are constructed without mortar.

Continue further and you will reach Tutukaka. Although this activity is not free, you really should go and snorkel or dive at Poor Knights Island. As an alternative, you can wait to snorkel until you reach Matapouri Bay. The beautiful sand beach will beckon to you to warm your feet on it. If the tide is low while you are there, you can also experience the wonders of the Matapouri Pools.

Whale Bay is just a stone’s throw from Matapouri Bay and is a surfing mecca. The surfer in you will surely clamor to get out and play once you see the waves break and curl.

If you follow the road inland to Hikurangi, you will again be on SH1 heading back to Whangarei. I’m sure you’ll agree that the day was worth it as you linger over your dinner and head for your room.