1. Raglan Surf Co
Almost 30 years ago surfboard maker Craig Hughes arrived in town with his wife and their sons and set up Raglan Surf Co where he sold boards and surfy clothes to locals and visitors.
A Craig Hughes board gets respect in the water and many say he made the best. Hughes died in 2013 but the legend continues with his wife and kids who run the store.
2. Raglan Wharf
The Raglan Wharf was destroyed by a fire in 2010 and its new dwellings are much improved.
It has the feel of somewhere trendy you would go for a lazy stroll on a long weekend.
The complex is home to a range of shops, some of my favourites are the excellent retro and antiques store, Tony Sly Pottery, Soul Shoes and of course the fish 'n' chip shop that sits pride of place.
I recommend staying at the silos next to the wharf. They were converted from their original use as a cement storage facility to modern apartments and have great views out over the Raglan Harbour.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
To get to the Bridal Veil Falls, or Waireinga in Māori, is an easy and enjoyable 10-minute walk through native bush, so there’s no need to change out of your jandals. There you'll find a powerful plunge waterfall of about 55m surrounded by 540 acres of Waireinga Scenic Reserve and forest that is dominated by tawa trees.
And if you’re up for it, about 400m past the Bridal Veil car park is the beginning of the 6km Pipiwharauroa Way walking and cycling track.
4. Karioi Summit Tracks
Mount Karioi is an extinct volcano that sits in the Raglan landscape. On a clear day at the top, you can see Mt Taranaki, Pureora, Maungamangero, Te Aroha, Pirongia and Maungatautari.
Karioi is said to be the oldest and westernmost of the Alexandra lineament of volcanoes. It is a bit of a steep climb at times and takes roughly 3.5 hours from the car park to the summit (one way).
5. Atamira
This store opened in 2007 and has ridden the wave of Raglan popularity ever since. Its 'boho-wares' tap into the zeitgeist and it has become so popular that it has extended its walls and now sells men and women’s clothing ranges as well as homeware.
