Whether you’re after a surf, a harbour dip or a family-friendly place to cool off, Raglan has a range of great swimming spots. Conditions can change quickly, so always take care, check the tide, and choose a location that suits your confidence and ability.

Swimming at low tide

At low tide, your best options are more limited.

Ngarunui Beach

Ngarunui is Raglan’s main surf beach and is best for swimming when Surf Lifesavers are on duty. It is strongly recommended that you swim between the flags.

Even at low tide, rips and strong currents can develop quickly and take swimmers out of their depth.

Advice from Surf Life Saving New Zealand:
If you are caught in a rip, remember the 3 Rs:

• Relax and float
• Raise your hand
• Ride the rip

Do not panic or try to swim directly against the current, as this can quickly lead to exhaustion. If you are able, swim parallel to the shore to move out of the rip.

Below the pedestrian bridge

A popular local swimming spot can be found below the pedestrian bridge. Cross the bridge and head right. Soon after entering the water, the ground drops away into a deeper channel, making it possible to swim even at low tide.

There is usually some current with the incoming and outgoing tide, but this area is well away from the harbour mouth. At low tide, it is common to see local children jumping from the bridge, which gives some indication of the water depth through the middle of the channel.

Swimming at high tide

At high tide, there are many more options around the harbour and coast.

Harbour edge towards Wainamu and Ngarunui

At high tide, you can swim under the pedestrian bridge and along the harbour edge as you walk around towards Wainamu and Ngarunui beaches.

These areas can also be accessed by walking across the airfield or by driving along Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive and parking near the steps. For safer, deeper water, it is best to head to the right so you are not too close to the harbour entrance.

Cliff Street

There are several good access points along Cliff Street. You can enter the water from the steps below Orca Restaurant or from the steps below James Street, where there is a parking area nearby.

Puriri Park

At the end of Cliff Street, Puriri Park is a good option for families and children. The water is generally shallow, even at high tide, making it a gentler place for paddling and splashing.

There are also grassy picnic areas and public toilets nearby.

Raglan Wharf

At the Wharf, you can swim from the pebbly beach, off the steps near the fishing jetty, or from the long jetty on the other side. This is a popular harbour swimming spot, especially on warm days.

Other popular swimming spots

Manu Bay

One of Raglan’s best-known surf spots, Manu Bay is about 7 km along Wainui Road. While the shoreline is mostly rocky, it can be refreshing to swim from the boat ramp area.

There are also plenty of grassy spots under the trees, making it a nice place for a picnic.

Cox Bay

Park on Daisy Street, off Government Road, and walk down the steps to Cox Bay. This sheltered bay has a pebbly beach and is generally considered a safe swimming spot.

Lorenzen Bay

Take Lorenzen Bay Road off Simon Road. At high tide, swimming access is via the concrete steps. It is a good place for a quick dip, although there is no beach area to sit on.

Moonlight Bay

To get to Moonlight Bay, turn onto Greenslade Road from SH23 and continue until you see the beach access sign. Park on the roadside and walk down to this beautiful, secluded beach.

It is a great harbour swimming spot, with generally calm water and a pontoon to swim out to.

Stay safe

Before heading out for a swim, always check:

• tide conditions
• weather and swell
• currents and harbour flow
• whether lifeguards are on patrol

Choose a spot that matches your swimming ability, keep children supervised, and take extra care around the harbour entrance and surf beaches.