Waikato Weekend: Raglan

On Saturday, we drove over to Raglan, a coastal town about 45 minute drive west of Hamilton. It is particularly known for its black-sand Ngarunui Beach and the long surf break at Manu Bay. It is not just a surfer town though, but a lovely little place full of craft shops and cafès.

After a stroll on the sands, we headed into the town, which is full of great wee shops with all sorts of things from clothing hand made in the town, to food shops with local produce to, of course, surf shops. I particularly liked Atamira, with its lovely mix of clothes, jewellery and gifts.

We were spoiled for choice when it came to lunch, but decided in the end on The Pantry, where I enjoyed a really good lemony lentil soup, which was full of flavour (and vegetables).

Raglan is also home to Raglan Roast coffee, and we popped into their shop where we picked up some beans and a little bar of dark coffee organic chocolate (three ingredients – cacao beans, coffee beans and organic sugar).

We then drove to Tony Sly Pottery.  Now, I love his products, and already own a blue bowl and a green jug.  I could have bought the shop…but instead settled on a little salt pig, something I have wanted for ages.  Next door is Soul Shoes, which I avoided, thinking this a wise move as I knew I would be tempted!

From there we drove to the Bridal Veil Falls, a 55m waterfall that does, in fact, resemble a bridal veil.  Quite stunning in the winter sunshine.

So that was our Saturday…some scenery, some shopping, some food….quite perfect in fact. How was your weekend?

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