bethsandland contributor

Raglan, New Zealand

Surf Mecca in New Zealand

One of the many surf shops

IG: @bethsandland

Raglan, New Zealand’s surfing mecca, is a must see area of the stunning North Island. Hidden away in rural Waikato to the west of Hamilton, the town has a laid back, hippy vibe where visitors can browse the quirky shops, enjoy a bite to eat and watch the impressive surfers do their thing.

Great seafood Great seafood

Famed for having the longest, most accessible left-hand break in the world, Raglan’s Manu Bay attracts surfers from around the world. Even if you don't plan on getting wet there are plenty of beach side vantage points to watch the spectacular swell. The beach itself is beautiful and possesses dramatically scenic black sand beach as a result of the volcanic activity in New Zealand.

The town itself is a cute mixture of cool cafes, global eateries, art galleries and craft shops nestled alongside surf brand boutiques. Just a few steps from this buzzy little area you’ll find yourself on the shore of Ocean Beach where paddle boarders enjoy the slower pace of life and kids dare each other to jump into the cool waters below.

#surfing, #ocean, #seaside