Things to see and do Raglan

Located halfway between Auckland and Raglan, the Nikau Caves (named after the palm tree) are well worth a visit, and surpass the famous Waitomo Caves further south, which are often very crowded. For over 30 years, Philip and Anne have been running their family business as well as their farm. They offer a fascinating guided tour of a kilometer-long cave full of glowworms. Fitness and appropriate clothing are recommended. You'll be required to crawl through the water. At the café, everything is homemade.

Te Toto Gorge, south of Raglan, offers exceptional views of the west coast. From the parking lot, where you can leave your vehicle, a small path leads to an observation platform. This is also the starting point for those wishing to reach Mount Karioi. Before reaching this magnificent viewpoint, stop off at Manu Bay and Whale Bay to watch the surfers for a few minutes. If you've got a stove, why not make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and settle down comfortably on a bench or your camping chair.

Bridal Veil Falls is a 55 meter waterfall just past Te Mata. It is about a twenty minute walk round trip to the top of the waterfall where there are two viewing platforms. This part is wheelchair accessible. If you want to continue to the base of the waterfall, allow another fifteen minutes and tackle the 261 steps. It is well worth the effort. Both views (top and bottom) are magnificent.

From Kawhia, driving west to the coast, after passing through the Tainui Kawhia Forest along Te Puia Road, the road arrives at Te Puia Ocean Beach. From the parking lot, a two-minute walk leads to large black sand dunes. At low tide on the beach, visitors can dig their own hot water pool (38°C). For those who don't have a shovel, it is always possible to borrow one from the amateurs present or to offer to give a hand.

The road is not paved, and you will have to take your time to make the trip from Raglan, but the scenery is worth it. Otherwise you can always go back to Hamilton and go to Kawhia by the SH31. Here is a town even more peaceful than Raglan. Maori tradition mentions that the Tanui canoe (coming from Hawaiiki) would have landed in this area. The port of Kawhia is located about 40 km south-east of Hamilton and is full of surprises such as its hot springs, located another 4 km south.