Raglan
Raglan is New Zealand's most celebrated surf destination, a series of volcanic point breaks that peel along black sand beaches on the North Island's rugged west coast. The main breaks—Manu Bay, Whale Bay, and Indicators—offer some of the longest rides in the Southern Hemisphere when SW groundswells wrap into the harbour. Manu Bay is famous for mechanical lefts that can run for 300+ meters. The town itself is a quintessential surf village with strong creative and alternative culture. Cold water and wild weather are part of the deal, but so are empty lineups, epic scenery, and genuine Kiwi hospitality.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (235°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 280°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 15s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 80° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Raglan?
Raglan works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Raglan?
Offshore wind at Raglan blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 80° to 160° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Raglan?
Raglan wants SW swell (210° to 280°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 15s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Raglan?
The main season at Raglan is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Primary: SW groundswell. Secondary: NW swells.
How do I get to Raglan?
Fly into AKL, then allow about 120 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Raglan?
Raglan is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Primary: SW groundswell. Secondary: NW swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Manu Bay
🥝 Raglan's inside section • Endless lefts • Kiwi icon
Raglan - Manu Bay
🇳🇿 One of Earth's longest lefts • Endless Summer legend • Kiwi soul
Piha
🦁 Lion Rock landmark • Black sand drama • Auckland's wild escape
Muriwai Beach
🪿 Gannet colony views • Auckland consistency • West coast access
Whangamata Bar
🌊 Cyclone swell magic • Premier beach break left • Coromandel gem
Mount Maunganui
⛰️ All-day offshores • Bay of Plenty gem • Easy-access quality