Exploring Raglan New Zealand, 1st Stop

Raglan New Zealand

As an avid traveler its time to set about exploring more of this wonderful country of ours and to find inspiration for my art. The first stop was to Raglan New Zealand. Raglan is a small town on the west coast of the North Island and approximately two hours south of Waiuku (where I live). Taking the longer route on Highway 22 via Pukekawa, Glen Murray and Naike in the hopes to see a part of New Zealand I hadn’t visited before. I was rewarded with rolling countryside and farm animals. However with the all the rain I wondered if staying at home was a better option. Those thoughts were soon dispelled as I headed along the road and down onto the main street of Raglan. The sun appeared from behind the clouds and I as I got a glimpse of the harbour, I had a good feeling it was going to be a great few days.

Accommodation

I stayed at a cute little studio in Raglan which was perfect for my needs, I booked it via airbnb It was about a 5 minute drive to the township and about a 20 minute walk. I was a little early for checking in I scoped out the two op shops in Raglan (blog coming soon)

Artistic Community

Raglan has a large artistic community from jewellers, potters, photographers, mixed media artists and more. I love finding creations from other artisans that I can purchase and bring home. Often they serve as a reminder of good times. In Raglan there was no shortage of places to buy from. Of course, it may just be an excuse to spend money??

Jet and Made Gallery are two artist co-ops where local artists sell their creations  If you love pottery then pop into The Monster Company which is housed in the old dairy factory. Further down the road at the Raglan Wharf is Tony Sly Pottery, Rick Youmans studtio  and Sole Shoes where you can find items made from leather. I remember buying my first pair of leather jandals from their store in Hamilton many moons ago.Two other gift shops which I also visited were Zinnia and Kanuka Design Gallery. In my sort time in Raglan I had a number of conversations with artists and shop owners which was so inspirational.

 

 

Cafes

I love a great coffee and I was spoilt for choice in Raglan. Those that I visited included Wyld, The Shack, and Iso Raglan. As I only had two full days in Raglan I wasnt able to visit all the other fabulous restaurants and cafes, maybe next time?

 

Exploring

If you are a surfer, then Raglan is the ideal place to base yourself. There are a number of surf spots to choose from, and a bit of inclement weather doesn’t stop the die hard. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can still explore the beaches and swim at some of them. Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Ngarunui Bay. Cross the footbridge in town to Te Kopua Beach and take a swim in the estuary.

 

Things to do

Did you know that Raglan has its own museum? At The Raglan and Districts Museum one of the displays is about the surfing history of the area. Entry to the museum is via the Raglan Ihub Centre which has a small gift shop that sells local artists work. You can also find out about events happening in the area and other things to do. I would suggest visiting the Ihub centre first. If you are a history buff then while at the centre make sure to ask about the heritage walk around Raglan.

Have you ever been to Raglan New Zealand? What did you enjoy about it? I’m hoping to go back again soon. Maybe take a class with an artist or head out on a boat trip on the harbour.