In Raglan you can catch a wave or sip a great espresso. This lively surf town has an interesting creative culture and a wonderful choice of cafés.

West of Hamilton, Raglan is both a surfing mecca and a dramatically scenic area of black sand coastline. Many people believe that Manu Bay on this coast has the longest, most accessible and consistent left-hand break in the world. If you have the required level of skill, it's possible to catch a wave and cruise for up to two kilometres. Manu Bay (also known as The Point) was featured in the 1966 cult surfing movie Endless Summer.

If you're not a hard-core surfer, Ocean Beach is a fine place for a swim, a body boarding session or even a surf lesson . Lifeguards patrol the western end of the beach during the summer months - it's safest to swim between the flags.