Local Information

The word "Bach"(pronounced 'batch') is a Kiwi term meanning small or classic beach house or holiday home.

The small village of Whale Bay is situated on the northern foothills of a large mountain known as Mt Karioi (translation “Sleeping Lady”) The bush clad mountain stands 750 meters in height and is a national park reserve.

The shelter from New Zealands predominant south west wind that Mt Karioi offers Whale Bay, renders Whale Bay a micro climate, where Nikau palms, bananas and sub tropical plants and ferns flourish. The mountain offers amazing mountain trails for hiking, mountain biking and sight seeing, plus massive north and south ocean and coastline views.

Very frequently the local surf breaks offer exceptionally long rides and are of world class standard. On smaller swells, Raglans sand beaches offer superb beach break surfing in off shore conditions.

Manu Bay offers a popular boat launching ramp for the fisherman or sight seers with a boat or a jet ski. Fishing, hiking, beaches and swimming are all within close walking distance of the Whale Bay Surf Bach.

Raglan township located approx 7 km east of Whale Bay, and up the Raglan harbour offers a multitude of entertainment options including restaurants, café's' & eateries along with shops, arts and crafts services and general supplies such as pharmacy, medical centre, petrol station, police and coast guard, etc.

Local Activities and Links

  • Surfing
  • Surf lessons
  • Surf shop and equipment rental Raglan Surf Emporium
  • Swimming
  • Paraponting
  • Fishing
  • Boating & boat hire
  • Kayaking hire
  • Beach Walking
  • Yoga, Tai Bo, Tai Chi & Karate classes
  • Scenic flights
  • Tandem sky diving
  • Massage
  • Horse trekking
  • Caving & abseiling
  • Black water rafting (approx 1.5 hrs drive)
  • Wind & Kite surfing
  • Fishing & deep sea charter trips • Dive charter
  • Waitomo Caves (approx 1.5 hours drive)
  • Numerous clubs and amenities
  • Skiing, snow boarding (winter only approx 3.5 hrs drive)
  • Harbour Cruises
  • Golf Course
  • Cultural history
  • Bridal Veil Water Falls and walks (approx 20 mins.)
  • Waingaro natural hot springs. Hot pools and private pools (25 mins.)
  • Raglan township offers: supermarket, garage & fuel, fruit & vege, bank, post office, internet cafés , hardware, crèche, Liquor, information, doctors & surgery, ambulance and emergency services, food, restaurants & cafes, surf shops, museum, hair salon, herbal dispensary, chemist, Laundromat etc.

The Raglan township is approx an 8 min drive from Whale Bay. The nearest city to Raglan is Hamilton, with all big city facilities. Hamilton is 50 km east and takes about 40 minutes to drive. The north island ski fields are approx 3.5 hours drive. The East coast surfing beaches are approx 2 hours drive and Rotorua (NZs cultural heritage city) is approx 2 hours drive. The Auckland International Airport is approx 2 hours drive.

For more information about Raglan visit www.raglan.net.nz or www.raglan.org.nz

Testimonials

“The location is stunning, very relaxing just sitting in the spa on a stormy day and watching the surf. I would definitely stay there again." Thanks Pete, Gary