Raglan Backpackers

Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula


This laid-back hostel is right on the water, with sea views from some rooms. Other rooms are arranged around a garden courtyard or in a separate building. There are free bikes and kayaks for use, and surfboards for hire, or take a yoga class, strum a guitar or drip in the sauna. One of NZ's best hostels.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula attractions

1. Old School Arts Centre

0.19 MILES

A community hub, the Old School Arts Centre has changing exhibitions and workshops, including weaving, carving, yoga and storytelling. Movies screen here…

2. Mt Karioi

5.73 MILES

In legend, Mt Karioi (756m), the Sleeping Lady (check out that profile), is the sister to Mt Pirongia. At its base (8km south of Whale Bay), Te Toto Gorge…

3. Waireinga

7.6 MILES

Just past Te Mata (a short drive south of the main Raglan–Hamilton road) is the turn-off to the 55m-high Waireinga, 4km from the main road. From the car…

4. Ruapuke Beach

9.04 MILES

Whale Bay marks the end of the sealed road, but a gravel road continues to the wild spans of Ruapuke Beach, 22km from Raglan. It’s dangerous for swimmers…

5. Mt Pirongia

18.07 MILES

The main attraction of the 170-sq-km Pirongia Forest Park is Mt Pirongia, its 959m summit clearly visible from much of the Waikato. The mountain is…

6. Post Box Gallery

18.33 MILES

This volunteer-run gallery and shop is worth checking out to purchase interesting works and souvenirs from the increasing number of artists and designers…

7. Turangawaewae Marae

18.36 MILES

Ngaruawahia (population 4940), headquarters of the Māori King movement, is 19km north of Hamilton on SH1. The impressive fences of Turangawaewae Marae…

8. Kawhia Regional Museum & Gallery

18.41 MILES

Kāwhia's modest waterside museum has local history, nautical and Māori art and artefacts, as well as regular art exhibitions. Don't miss the huge fossil…