E ngā manuwhiri nau mai haere mai ki a Whāingaroa!
Visit Raglan | our place, our environment, our people!
WHĀINGAROA RAGLAN iHUB
Discover everything you need to know about this special place – from rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage to world-class surf, arts, and community spirit.
When Raglan’s i-SITE closed in 2020, the future of visitor information in town looked uncertain. Thanks to the determination of a passionate group of locals, the Raglan iHUB opened its doors in 2021 – with a new name, a new focus, and a guiding vision of connecting experience through people and place.
Open seven days a week, 10am–3pm, the iHUB is the best place to visit for up-to-date information about Raglan. Entirely run by volunteers, the iHUB ambassadors bring the vision to life. They are storytellers, guides, and friendly faces who share authentic experiences of Whāingaroa with visitors and locals alike.
What’s On in Raglan
Never miss a beat in Whāingaroa.
From live music and arts events to community gatherings and local stories, Raglan Community Radio’s What’s On guide is your go-to source for everything happening in town and beyond. Whether you’re a local wanting to stay connected or a visitor hoping to experience the heart of Raglan, What’s On will keep you in the loop with the latest news, events, and happenings.
Conquer the Karioi Classic
One of Aotearoa’s original gravel events, the Karioi Classic takes you on a loop around Karioi, a 2.4-million-year-old extinct cone volcano 8 km south west of Raglan.
Unlike many races held on sealed tarmac, a large portion of the Karioi Classic is on gravel, giving it a gravel grind, adventure ride vibe.
Riders are treated to panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and wild west coast landscapes, something few other races can match.
The two events, dubbed the long and short, cater to different skill levels.
Navigating rugged and challenging terrain, the 85km is a test of endurance, grit, and technique for elite cyclists. While the 58km is less gruelling it still provides a thrilling ride for serious amateurs or gravel enthusiasts.
Raglan Arts Weekend
Whāingaroa’s premier celebration of local creativity.
Get ready to explore the arts trail and be inspired at the Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW).
Over Labour Weekend, more than 60 talented artists open their studio doors across Raglan, giving you a rare chance to step inside their creative worlds. From recycled metal sculptures and hand-dyed silks to paintings, ceramics, jewellery, photography, and even taxidermy, the trail is bursting with imagination and talent.
Soundsplash
Music, community, and coastal magic converge for three days of Soundsplash festival magic.
Bringing soulful tunes, local legends, international stars and unforgettable performances to the natural amphitheatre of Wainui Reserve, just a short stroll from Ngārunui Beach.
This all-ages festival has something for everyone – from families to festival first-timers and the forever young at heart. Alongside a stellar line-up of international and homegrown talent, you’ll find nourishing kai, workshops in wellbeing, dance and arts, and a vibrant marketplace full of creativity and colour. With its strong sustainability focus, including a zero-waste policy and plastic bag ban, Soundsplash proves festivals can get their groove on while caring for the planet.
Raglan Country & Blues Festival
Come celebrate the unforgettable sounds of country and blues in Raglan.
Enjoy three memorable days of music, New Zealand’s finest legends, and unforgettable performances in the heart of Raglan with the Raglan Country & Blues Festival.
Whāingaroa comes to life over Labour Weekend with soulful tunes, acts from around the country, and performances that capture the heart and rhythm of our coastal community with the best of country and blues.
It’s always good to see younger people coming to check it out, and especially young
musicians getting turned on to music they haven’t really listened to before. – Freddy
Limbert, musician.
Matariki rising
Celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, with toi, kapa haka, rongoā, kai, mau rākau, and waiata.
A time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future under the watchful stars of Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea (the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea).
The Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea stars (or Matariki for short) appear in the night sky in midwinter, and in the traditional Māori lunar calendar, (maramataka), the new year begins with the first new moon after Matariki appears in the sky.
Matariki celebrations in Whāingaroa include a range of community events organised by groups like Raglan Naturally and the Toitū Whāingaroa, with activities such as mau rākau (Māori martial arts) workshops, Matariki art exhibitions, and traditional hāngī feasts.