Beachy Raglan goes off in summer time however on my final journey to Raglan it was winter and the climate was removed from sunny. Having not been again within the Waikato in almost a 12 months, I made a decision that, even in winter, a day journey to Raglan was wanted and it was price it, there are many issues to do in Raglan in winter.
The café and procuring scene in Raglan has come up so much in the previous couple of years which is nice as a result of it means there’s nonetheless heaps to do in Raglan on a wet day. And it was undoubtedly wet and windy after we had been there.
This put up covers the highlights of Raglan that you could match right into a winter day journey. Nonetheless, you might simply spend extra time in Raglan. There are many good Raglan accommodation choices each in and across the city, so why not keep for a weekend or just a few days.
If you happen to’re travelling New Zealand in June-August then take a look at my full information on the best places to visit in New Zealand in winter.
Raglan climate in winter
Winter temperatures in Raglan are round 8-15°C on common which isn’t that chilly, however it’s a must to account for the wild west coast winds. With its black sand seashores and hilly shoreline, Raglan can look very rugged and wild in winter which is form of what I like about it. Plus, there are many cosy cafes and shops to shelter in.
What to do in Raglan in Winter (1-2 Day Itinerary)
Cease Off at Taitua Arboretum in your approach into Raglan
We had a late begin this weekend so headed straight to Raglan Fish for lunch. On earlier visits, we stopped at Taitua Arboretum which is simply off Whatawhata Highway between Hamilton and Raglan. It’s a peaceable place that’s particularly lovely in autumn with the numerous many falling leaves.
The principle points of interest are the bushes and the strolling paths, there are not any actual amenities there so that you don’t have to spend ages nevertheless it’s a superb cease off on the best way to Raglan. If it’s raining closely, give this one a miss as there’s no shelter.
Lunch at Raglan Fish
Raglan Fish is the most effective fish and chip store, and seafood store typically, in Raglan. That’s in accordance with my brother who works in hospitality and has tried a good few Raglan fish and chip outlets.
This low-key spot is positioned on the very finish of Raglan Wharf. The massive picket tables are good for putting up conversations with strangers and passing in your leftovers whenever you inevitably over-order.
We bought chips, crumbed fish, battered fish, mussels, oysters, prawns and squid rings. And it was all tremendous recent and scrumptious. At Raglan Fish they get the catch off the boat within the morning and when that sells out that’s it. It was in all probability the busiest place in Raglan on this winter day.
Galleries and outlets in Raglan
Raglan is thought for its hippy model, so for those who’re searching for boho trend, natural cures, natural meals or crystals you then’ll discover loads of choices. Even when this isn’t your model, it could possibly nonetheless be a enjoyable factor to do to take a look at the native wares. And also you would possibly discover some hidden gems!
A few of my favorite shops are:
- Raglan Surf Co – not simply surfboards, in addition they have numerous surf and skate model trend
- Artisan and Service provider – sustainable trend with flowy types
- Present Off – jade jewelry good for vacationer souvenirs
- Bohemian gypsy – boho trend, my model isn’t tremendous boho however I nonetheless noticed some cool issues in right here
All of those shops are on or simply off the primary road of Raglan, Bow Avenue.
Our go to to Raglan coincided with the cancelled however nonetheless kind of occurring Raglan artwork competition. The competition normally occurs throughout easter and ANZAC weekends however has been cancelled and rescheduled so much due to COVID.
There have been nonetheless a few galleries open although which we popped into. The artwork wasn’t my factor however there are many choices from souvenir-type items to summary items from native artists.
I did love the pottery at Tony Sly Pottery, a showroom on Raglan Wharf. They’d ultra-aesthetic crockery that I might simply equipment out a home with at not loopy costs. Additionally within the Raglan Wharf precinct is Youmans Studio which has panorama work of the encircling space that might make a superb memento.
Espresso and cake at The Shack
Raglan is house to my favorite espresso roasters (that’s saying so much, I’m a giant espresso snob!), Raglan Roast. They’ve a small espresso window on Volcom Lane the place you possibly can seize a scorching drink to go, in any other case, ether’s a much bigger café arrange out on Wainui Highway.
If it’s a wet day in Raglan and also you need someplace to take a seat down nearer to city, we cherished The Shack which has a giant nook website proper on Bow Avenue. The Shack has a yum brunch menu in addition to counter meals with numerous vegan and vegetarian choices.
Yoga at The Area
Given Raglan’s hippy vibes, it is sensible that there’s a brilliant excessive yoga studio to folks ratio. Dropping in for a yoga class is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Raglan in winter to get out of the chilly and wind and embrace the Raglan spirit.
The perfect studio is The Area, in a picket constructing that form of jogs my memory of an previous church. They provide a variety of types (Vinyasa, Hatha, Energy and so forth) and have a reasonably low cost drop-in price of $18. You possibly can take a look at the timetable and guide on-line.
There’s additionally Raglan Yoga Loft close to the Raglan Wharf and Solscape (additionally a luxurious retreat).
Dinner at George’s Seaside Membership
If you happen to’re staying for dinner in Raglan, head to George’s Seaside Membership on Bow Avenue. It’s one of many eating places related to the Good George Beer firm, specialising in pizza and (clearly) beer. Whereas they’ve a giant outside space, the within part is sort of a cosy pub that’s excellent for Raglan in winter. I’ve been to a few their eating places in Hamilton and Cambridge, they usually’ve all been good. I particularly just like the plum and seashore ciders.
Cease Off at Bridal Veil Falls
If it’s not pouring out, then be certain that to cease off at Bridal Veil Falls on the best way again to Hamilton from Raglan. It’s solely a brief stroll from the carpark to the viewing spot so that you received’t be outdoors too lengthy and it’s price it for probably the most spectacular waterfalls on the North Island. Do take a raincoat, even when it’s not raining as a result of the waterfall does spray a bit bit.
Do not forget that it will get darkish early in winter in New Zealand so in case you are staying in Raglan for dinner you received’t be capable of see the Bridal Veil Falls. As an alternative, you’ll have to wrap up your winter day journey in Raglan in mid-afternoon to depart time for the falls.
Non-compulsory further: harbour cruise
If it’s not really raining and visibility is first rate then a cruise on Raglan harbour is a wonderful possibility for anybody wanting a calming approach to go the time in Raglan in winter.
Take a look at this Raglan sunset cruise or Raglan nature cruise bookable by way of Get Your Information.
The place to remain in Raglan
If you happen to’re visiting for longer than in the future you then’ll need to keep someplace near city so you possibly can take advantage of the Raglan points of interest with out spending too lengthy out within the winter climate.
Listed here are some good Raglan winter lodging choices:
Compare prices for all Raglan accommodations here
The Wrap: Visiting Raglan in Winter
I like visiting New Zealand seashores in winter and Raglan is not any exception. If you happen to’re heading to Raglan in winter or caught in Raglan on a wet day, hopefully, this put up has given you some concepts for issues to do.
When you have a while within the space, take a look at my guides for:
Glad travelling!
Kate
