HELP & INFO
Important information for your stay in Raglan Whaingaroa.
Local Info
The word “Bach”(pronounced ‘batch’) is a Kiwi term meaning 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 Zealand’s predominant southwest wind that Mt Karioi offers Whale Bay, renders Whale Bay a microclimate, 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 offshore 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, cafés & eateries along with shops, arts and crafts services and general supplies such as a pharmacy, medical centre, petrol station, police and coast guard, 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.
Activities & Things to Do
- Surfing - Surf the point breaks, Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Indicators or Surf Ngarunui beach
- Surf Lessons - Greenwave offer surf lessons or for any surfing equipment and rentals visit Raglan Surf Emporium Shop
- Go Kitesurfing or try Kitesurfing lessons
- Visit Bridal Vail Falls
- Hike Mount Karioi
- Try the famous Raglan Roast Coffee
- Go on a Harbour Cruise
- Mountain Bike Trail ride upto New Zealands largest windfarm
- Ride the mountain bike tracks located at Ocean Beach
- Conquer the Skate Park and Pump Track located at Kopua Domain
- Explore the all ages playground located at the Kopua Domain
- Visit the beach for swimming, nice sunset walks and surfing!
- Try the local cafes and restaurants
- Shop at the local boutique and surf shops
FAQ
Check in & check out times
Check-In time: 2:00pm
Check-Out time: 10:00am
Early Check-In time (by request only): Mid Day*
Late Check-Out time (by request only): Mid Day*
*Note – strictly subject to availability, please send your requests and confirmation will be confirmed a few days prior to arrival. We remain the right to cancel your early check-in or late check-out and revert to standard check in times should another booking come through on your arrival or departure dates.
Minimum Stay
3 days over long weekends all other dates are 2 days except peak season which varies (20.01 – 30.01)
These are reflected on booking calendars.
What is our best emergency contact method?
For a quick response, please message the Property Manager directly through your booking website message services (airbnb, bookabach or homeaway) or text on +64 27 3212006. You can also email us on info@whalebaysurf.co.nz.
Is linen provided?
Yes, all Linen is provided free of charge including bedding, shower towels, face cloths, shower mat, hand towel, spa towels, tea towels, dish cloths.
Is cleaning provided?
Yes you will have paid a cleaning tariff in your total rate that includes full cleaning and grooming after your departure. We kindly ask however that all dishes are washed, dried and put away please and all rubbish and recycling be placed in (or next to) the outside bin provided on the deck.
What do I need to bring?
The property will provide most things you would expect in a normal holiday home ie coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, dish washing liquid and some toilet paper etc. If you feel you may need something in particular please bring it with you, just in case. All linen is provided. The shower includes a pump dispenser for liquid shower soap, shampoo & conditioner, however if you prefer specific personal cleaning products please feel free to bring them with you.
Can I bring guests or extra friends to stay?
The Whale Bay Surf Bach is set up for an absolute maximum of Five people and no extra guests are allowed sorry. If we find that you have had more guests staying than originally booked you will be charged an extra fee.
Are pets allowed?
Sadly (and without prejudice to your loved animals) The Whale Bay Surf Bach does not allow pets. Numerous guests have requested a sterile, fur and oder free environment where their babies and children can crawl and play in confidence on the floors, decks and lawn etc and where those with pet allergies can book and stay knowing the place offers a reliably pet free environment. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you in advance for your understanding.
Where can I find keys and arrival details?
All arrival and property details will be sent to you approximately 1 week prior to your arrival.
Is there more than one set of keys?
No, there is only one set of keys for the property.
How do I access WIFI and use TV's?
Wifi codes are stated on your arrival and property information email sent out to you prior to your stay. Located on the Coffee Table is also a property manual stating wifi codes and easy ‘how to use’ TV instructions.
Is the gas bottle for the BBQ provided?
Yes the gas bottle will be full and is directly attached to BBQ. Please ensure gas is turned off at the bottle when you have finished cooking. Should the gas bottle run out, please contact the Property Manager at your earliest and the bottle will be replaced ASAP.
What do I need to know about the spa pool?
Firstly we advise SAFETY, especially where children are present, please take full responsibility and supervise all children at all times. Do not enter the spa pool if intoxicated. We take extreme pride in ensuring the spa pool water and filters, are clean, fresh and sanitary for you, upon your arrival. Please ensure no sand, dirt, grass and strictly no GLASS or other contaminants are introduced into the spa pool.
Please place 1 Scoop of Chlorine in the spa each night and please replace the cover and ensure that the spa pool’s LED light on the control panel is left on ” AUTO”. The spa pool temperature is pre-set at 39.5 degrees celsius. Depending on your length of stay, the spa pool will be periodically serviced, however in the event where the water level drops below the water level line as a result of use, please feel free to use the hose provided to top it back up to the water level line. The spa pool pump motor is silenced and very quiet, however should this ever interfere with your sleep at night, please feel free to turn the spa’s power lead off at the wall and please ensure to turn it back on in the morning to ensure the heat and filtration system is maintained.
The maximum persons in the pool should not exceed 4 people at any one time please. Spa pool towels are provided.
What do we do with rubbish and recycling?
Do we recycle? Yes we do recycle and we kindly ask for your full participation in helping us make this happen. The green recycling bins are placed outside on the deck next to the umbrella. Please recycle all plastics, glass, cardboard etc. Upon departure please place all your rubbish (in the large black bin) and recycling (in the green bins) provided outside and our cleaners will take care of the rest.
Can I put up a tent or connect a carivan to the house?
No sorry – strictly no tents and no extra guests allowed.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the high demand of enquiries and the location of the property and often booked out status, we do have a strict cancellation policy being that the 50% deposit amount will not be refunded if you choose to cancel within 30 days of your arrival date, and 100% of the full payment will not be refunded if you cancel within 7 days of your arrival date. We may be able to adjust your dates with 14 days notice should you need to move your booking. If you are travelling from overseas we can not offer any refunds within our above cancellation policy timeframe and we do expect that you have travel insurance to cover yourself any situations where you may no longer be able to make your booking.
XMAS & NEW YEAR CANCELLATION POLICY:
Due to the high demand of enquiries and the location of the property and often booked out status, we do have a strict cancellation policy being that the 50% deposit amount will not be refunded if you choose to cancel within 60 days of your arrival date, and 100% of the full payment will not be refunded if you cancel within 14 days of your arrival date. We may be able to adjust your dates with 14 days notice should you need to move your booking, this will incur a change fee and we can not always promise dates are available especially over summer months. If you are travelling from overseas we can not offer any refunds within our above cancellation policy timeframe and we do expect that you have travel insurance to cover yourself any situations where you may no longer be able to make your booking.
Covid cancellation policies are no longer applicable, as in line with 3rd party websites such as Airbnb, bookabach, booking.com and more. Thank you for your understanding.