Raglan Left Points, Manu Bay to Indicators

Overview

Raglan's black-sand points are the wave that launched a thousand van trips: three connected left-handers — Indicators, Whale Bay and Manu Bay — wrapping down a volcanic coastline under Mount Karioi. On the right southwest swell, Indicators links towards Whale Bay in rides of half a kilometre, walling and workable the whole way, made famous by The Endless Summer and unchanged in spirit since. Manu Bay is the accessible classic, with its concrete boat-ramp jump-off and a wave that suits everyone from first pointbreak-timers to slashing locals. The town, ten minutes away across the harbour bridge, is New Zealand's surf-culture capital in miniature: wood-fired bakeries, galleries, and Ngarunui Beach's gentle whitewater nursery for absolute beginners. Swell is remarkably consistent year-round; late summer and autumn (February–June) offer the warmest water and cleanest mornings before winter's power arrives. The catch is wind and tide alignment — the points prefer low-to-mid tide and an easterly — so build slack into your week. Stay at the classic surf lodges above Whale Bay or in town; hire a car in Auckland (two hours). Around £650 for a week with lodge bed and board hire.

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Prefilled for 1 February 2027 — the next best-season window. Search on partner sites — opens in a new tab.