Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The surf spots near Raglan - Indicators, Whale Bay and Manu Bay - are internationally
famous for their point breaks. Bruce Brown's classic 1964 wave-chaser film
The Endless
Summer
features Manu Bay.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach sits at the mouth of the harbour, 4km southwest of Raglan down Riria
Kereopa Memorial Dr. It's popular for
windsurfing
and
kitesurfing
, but strong currents
make it extremely treacherous for swimmers.
Ngarunui Beach
Less than 1km south of Ocean Beach, Ngarunui Beach is a great for grommets learning
to
surf
. On the clifftop is a clubhouse for the volunteer lifeguards who patrol part of the
black-sand beach from late October until April. This is the only beach with lifeguards,
and is the best ocean beach for
swimming
.
Manu Bay
A 2.5km journey from Ngarunui Beach will bring you to Manu Bay, a legendary
surf
spot
said to have the longest left-hand break in the world. The elongated uniform waves
are created by the angle at which the Tasman Sea swell meets the coastline (it works best
in a southwesterly swell).
Sleeping
Solscape
HOSTEL, CABINS $
( 07-825 8268;
www.solscape.co.nz
;
611 Wainui Rd; campsites from $17, caboose dm/d $30/72,
teepees per person $36, cottages d $82-189; )
With a hilltop location fringed by
native bush, Solscape's ecofriendly accommodation includes teepees, rammed-earth
domes, railway carriages and stylish eco baches. There's room for tents and campervans,
and simpler cottages are also available. Environmental impact is minimised with solar
energy, and organic produce from the permaculture garden is used for guests' meals in
the Conscious Kitchen cafe.
Yoga, massage and surfing lessons are all available, and Solscape is also YHA-affili-
ated.
