Raglan - Manu Bay
Raglan - Manu Bay is surfing's ultimate left-hand point—a wave so long that rides can connect for over two kilometers from Indicators through Whale Bay and into Manu Bay on the right swell. Featured alongside N'Gor in The Endless Summer, Raglan showed the world that New Zealand harbored world-class waves in a breathtaking setting. The volcanic rock bottom creates walls that roll with metronomic perfection, offering section after section of workable face. The drive from Auckland through lush Waikato farmland ends at one of the planet's most celebrated surf destinations, where the Kiwi surf community preserves a welcoming, grassroots culture despite international fame.
Raglan - Manu Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 12) — expect extra crowds
Access: 2hr drive from Auckland. 8km from Raglan town center down Wainui Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Raglan - Manu Bay?
The Raglan - Manu Bay profile favors low tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Raglan - Manu Bay?
The Raglan - Manu Bay profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 60° to 130°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Raglan - Manu Bay?
The Raglan - Manu Bay scoring profile favors swell from SW (190° to 250°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Raglan - Manu Bay?
The main season at Raglan - Manu Bay is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round surf. Winter (Jun-Aug) most consistent at 82%.
How do I get to Raglan - Manu Bay?
The spot profile lists AKL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 120 minutes. 2hr drive from Auckland. 8km from Raglan town center down Wainui Road.
What kind of wave is Raglan - Manu Bay?
Raglan - Manu Bay is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round surf. Winter (Jun-Aug) most consistent at 82%.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Manu Bay
🥝 Raglan's inside section • Endless lefts • Kiwi icon
Raglan
🥝 New Zealand's finest • Black sand point breaks • 300m rides
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
Plan a trip around Raglan - Manu Bay
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