Raglan, New Zealand
- This article is about the New Zealand town of Raglan. For other uses of the term, see Raglan (disambiguation).
Geography
Raglan is a small beachside town located 48km west of Hamilton on State Highway 23.
It is associated with Whaingaroa Harbour (also known as Raglan Harbour) on the west coast of the Waikato region in New Zealand's North Island. The harbour runs about 12km inland from the entrance and for the most part is less than 2km wide, and is the northernmost of three large inlets in the Waikato coast.
Southwest of the township stands the extinct volcano of Mt Karioi. According to Māori legend the Karioi was a jilted Māori Princess whom, upon discovering that love was lost, lay down and rests until this day.
Raglan was named after Fitzroy Somerset, 1st Lord Raglan, who was the commander of British forces in the Crimean War at the time the township was settled in 1855.
Surf Break
Raglan is best known for its amazing surf. Eight kilometres from the Raglan township is Manu Bay, which features what is claimed to be longest, most accessible and consistent left-hand surf break in the southern hemisphere. Manu Bay was featured in the 1966 movie The Endless Summer.
Raglan has hosted a world championship surfing event and is home to a learn-to-surf school.
Cornerstone Roots
The New Zealand reggae band Cornerstone Roots was formed in Raglan.
External links
- Open Directory Project: Raglan
- Raglan Weather
- Raglan Arts
- Raglan Community Information
- Tourism Waikato
- Raglan Surf
37°48′S 174°53′E / 37.800°S 174.883°E