Summer is here and NIWA tells us that the temperatures for us Westies are likely to be warmer than average. More north-easterly winds and marine heatwave conditions will result in high heat and humidity – sounds like the tropics have come to Raglan.
In a nutshell it’s looking likely to be hot, humid, with normal or below normal rainfall.
With Covid loosening its grip on the country, Raglan businesses, events and festivals will be back in full swing.
Visitors to the town in summer increase the town’s population by around 300-400 per cent and whilst Covid has had an impact on this over the last few years, Whāingaroa is ready to welcome holidaymakers from around the country and world.
Summer dining
From fine dining to takeaways, there’s plenty of options in Raglan for eating out.
Start the day with breakfast in town at The Shack with several versions of bacon and eggs on offer but there’s plenty of unusual but flavoursome offerings too, like the popular Chilli Crunch Rice.
If you’ve just come back from walking the dog on Ngarunui beach, stop in at Rockit where the dogs are welcome, there’s plenty of greenspace for the kids to play and the food is on-point.
After an early start in the surf nothing beats a bacon and egg roll and coffee from the Food Department in Raglan West.
Wyld is great for a brunch that will keep you going through to dinner. Their Hot Damn Chill Scram and Wainui Big Brekkie will rock your tastebuds and keep your puku full.
Serving the best burritos since forever is Roll Up – in Volcom Lane for Tex Mex eats and Bow Street for ice creams.
Relative newcomer, The Yard is serving up music in the evening and dining that will take you from brunch right through to a late-night burger.
For dining with a view, head to Orca for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the deck overlooking the harbour. Their seared ostrich is sure to tempt the adventurous foodie.
Relax under the old pōhutukawa tree outside La La Land and enjoy a delicious, sweet treat, coffee and hot chocolate.
For fusion Japanese kai that’s a treat to the tastebuds and the eye head to ULOs Kitchen. Dine in for the full ULOs experience of food, cocktails and music.
Park yourself in the courtyard at Geroge’s Beach Club and watch the sunset with some of the best pizzas in town. There’s plenty of scrumptious small and large plate options.
You can’t go past the Harbourview Hotel or The Raglan Club for good old-fashioned pub meals.
The Wharf Kitchen and Bar offers a primo view, a large selection of menu options and buy any meal and get one kids meal free – what’s not to like.
Looking to feed the family after a big day at the beach, there’s tasty fish and chips at Jo’s Takeaways opposite the Papahua playground and Raglan Fish at the wharf.
For a selection of takeaways in town check out Raglan Fresh Fish, Ali’s Turkish Kebabs, Koochi Raglan, Pirate Pizza and Dukkas on Bow Street, and Aloha Sushi on Wallis Street
SOUNDSPLASH FESTIVAL
Soundsplash fetsival returns to Wainui Reserve in January for two days and two nights of live music featuring a multi-genre selection of international and local acts.
This will be a homecoming of sorts for Soundsplash who shifted venues to Mystery Creek last year to accommodate for pandemic restrictions.
“With the summer festival season just around the corner we are thrilled to be hosting Soundsplash back in Raglan for 2023.
“We have some super talented international & local artists that we have been working on this past year. We are really excited about Ocean Alley & Jordan Rakei and up and coming local artists,” said organiser Brian Ruawai.
Summertime Live Gigs
The Yot Club will continue to deliver live bands and DJs throughout the summer. Sunday Sessions is a must for excellent tunes spun by an awesome line-up of locals and imported DJs – outside from 6pm and inside from 10pm till 1am. Kick off your New Year with the legendary Greg Churchill and KRS3.
For atmospheric live music and acts, the Raglan Old School Arts Centre has Pōneke/Wellington art-rock trio Birdfeeder and stand-up comedy by seasoned comic, ex-professional dancer and cabaret dynamo Joana Joy (Banana Jolie) in January.
Don’t forget to check out local eateries turned venues, like The Yard and Harbour View Hotel, for a great line up of summer gigs too (see back page).
WhĀingaroa to-do list
Bridal Veil Falls is an attractive easy walk, through native forest following the Pakoka River to the top of the Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls. This section of track is designed for assisted wheelchair use and is suitable for children’s pushchairs.
Karioi Summit Track offers views as far south as Mt Taranaki, the Herangi Range and Pureora on a fine day.
Raglan Rock has a range of exhilarating tours for people of all ages and abilities. Whether it’s canyoning under the night sky, rock climbing in a middle earth landscape, sea kayaking to hidden corners of the harbour, or caving with glowworms, you’re sure to experience the adrenaline rush.
Check out Raglan Kayak and Paddleboard for rentals, lessons, guided tours and more. Find them at the Bow Street Jetty on the waterfront.
For sheltered and safe kayak fun perfect for young kids, Raglan Adventures Kayak Rentals is located at Lorenzen Bay.
The three natural coastal amphitheatres at Te Toto Gorge Lookout were once the site of extensive Māori gardens. Remnants of stone rows which would have outlined garden plots can still be seen in places, as well two small pa, storage pits and terraces.
Raglan and District Museum on Wainui Rd provides a window on local history for the Raglan Whāingaroa area and adjacent districts. Opening 9.30am-6.30pm daily.
Your spoilt for choice for surfing lessons with Green Wave Raglan, Raglan Surf School, UP Surf Coaching and Surf Safe Surf Coaching. Be sure to book, naturally it’s a favourite activity in Whāingaroa.
Arty Raglan
There’s a plethora of galleries dotted around Raglan featuring local artists. In town you’ll find the Raglan Old School Arts Centre, Artists at Work, Jet Collective, La Petite Gallery and Made. Venture to the wharf and you’ll find The Monster Company and Rivet on Wallis St and The Wharf Gallery, Youmans Studio and Tony Sly Pottery right on the wharf. On the main road into town is Toi Hauauru Studio which is open by appointment and take a wander up Hills Rd for Little Hill Studios. Chris Meek’s Studeo Gallery is on Cross St and Bing Ceramics is the bright yellow house on Upper Wainui Rd. Pick up an Arts Trail guide from the I-Hub next to the museum or at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre for more information about local artists.
New Year’s Eve Parade
For close to 50 years Raglan has celebrated New Year’s Eve with a street parade. Organised by the Raglan Lions, the parade is a highlight on the Raglan calendar with locals putting on a show and competing for top honours for their floats. Cancelled only twice in its history, once for a storm and once for Covid, the parade starts at 7pm with floats meeting at Wallis St for judging at 6 pm. Entrants can pick up an entry form at judging time or at Raglan Book and Gift Centre on Bow St. From around 5.30pm Bow St is closed from the roundabout at James St down to Cliff St until the parade has finished.
Safe in the waves
Ngarunui beach is patrolled by volunteer surf lifeguards every weekend and public holiday from Labour weekend through to Easter from 10.30am-6pm on Saturday and 10.30am-5pm on Sunday. The paid lifeguard service is operating 10am to 7pm daily, finishing Friday, February 24. Help them out by following these simple guidelines
Always swim between the flags at the southern end of the beach
Read and understand the safety signs – ask a surf lifeguard for advice as conditions can change regularly
Don’t overestimate your ability or your children’s ability to cope in the conditions
Always keep a close eye on very young children in or near the water – always keep them within arm’s reach
Get a friend to swim with you – never swim or surf alone
Watch out for rip currents, they can carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip current remember the 3Rs – *Relax and float, *Raise your hand and *Ride the rip
Be smart around rocks – when fishing never turn your back towards the sea and always wear a lifejacket
If in doubt, stay out
If you see someone in trouble, call 111 and ask for the police
Be sun smart – slip, slop, slap and wrap to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.
Summer Safety
A very merry Christmas and happy holidays from your local police officers, Linda, Andrew and Raewyn. We want you to all have a great summer whether you’re visiting for the holidays or you are lucky enough to live here. For our locals, we know you will make visitors feel welcome. If you’re visiting our town, we want you to leave with happy memories of your stay in Raglan.
Help make it a wonderful summer for everyone
Be respectful. If that is not your car or your property, leave it alone. It is not yours to break into or yours to take property from it belongs to someone else.
Be responsible. Do not drink and drive. Make plans ahead of time if you are going to be drinking.
Be careful. Don’t leave property inside your cars. Lock your cars and your homes. Consider investing in house and car alarms, home security CCTV.
Be patient. Everyone deserves to reach their destination. Give yourself plenty of driving time and enjoy the journey.
Be awesome. Enjoy your time off work. Enjoy your family and friends. Enjoy the summer.
The Raglan CBD area is covered by a 24/7, 365 days a year alcohol ban in public places. From 23 December until 6 January, this alcohol ban extends to all public places 24/7. Yes, that means every public place, including all streets, all beaches, all reserves. Check out www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz for more on this and on freedom camping areas.
Overall, have a great 2022/2023 summer.
Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle
Here in Raglan all recycling is done by hand, by locals at Xtreme Zero Waste! They take glass in one crate, clean cardboard and paper on the side, and in the other crate a mix of plastics #1, #2 and #5 and clear film soft plastics, aluminium and tin cans which all need to be washed and squashed.
When you’re done with your sunset picnicking, please don’t overload the street bins. Xtreme service street bins all summer long, but sometimes they can fill up quick. To reduce the amount of seagull parties and litter heading into the sea please take your rubbish home with you rather than dumping it on the side.
Remember your reusables when you’re heading outside. Keep cup for coffee, containers for the bulk bin or the butcher. Refill your water bottle at drink fountains located outside community house, the library, at Paphua Domain and Riria Kereopa Drive. And most of Raglan’s cafes are happy to refill for free too!
If you’ve forgotten any of your holiday luggage, head to our local op shops, Lions, community house or check out Kaahu’s Nest at Xtreme the town’s largest second-hand shop. For more information visit xtremezerowaste.org.nz.
