Local Information

The small village of Whale Bay is situated on the northern foothills of a large mountain known as Mt Karioi (translation “Sleeping Lady”) The bush clad mountain stands 750 meters in height and is a national park reserve.

The shelter from New Zealands predominant south west wind that Mt Karioi offers Whale Bay, renders Whale Bay a micro climate, where Nikau palms and sub tropical plants and ferns flourish. The mountain offers amazing mountain trails for hiking, mountain biking and sight seeing.

In normal conditions the local surf breaks give exceptionally long rides and are of world class standard. On smaller swells, Raglans sand beaches most often offer superb beach break surfing in off shore conditions.

Manu Bay offers, an all weather (usually) boat launching ramp for the fisherman or sight seers with a boat or a jet ski. Fishing, hiking, beaches and swimming are all within walking distance of the Whale Bay Surf Bach.

Raglan township located approx 7 km eastward and on the Raglan harbor offers a multitude of entertainment options including restaurants, café's' & eateries along with shops, arts and crafts services and general supplies.

Surfing
Swimming
Paraponting
Fishing
Boating & boat hire
Kayaking hire
Beach Walking
Yoga, Tai Bo, Tai Chi & Karate classes
Scenic flights
Tandem sky diving
Massage
Horse trekking
Caving & abseiling
Black water rafting (approx 1.5 hrs drive)
Wind & Kite surfing
Fishing & deep sea charter trips
Dive charter
Various clubs and amenities
Skiing, snow boarding (winter only approx 3.5 hrs drive)
Harbour Cruises
Golf Course
Cultural history
Bridal Veil Falls (approx. 10 mins.)
Waingaro natural hot springs. Hot pools and private pools (25 mins.)
Raglan township offers: supermarket, garage & fuel, fruit & vege, bank, post office, internet café, hardware, crèche, Liquor, information, doctors & surgery, ambulance and emergency services, food, restaurants & cafes, surf shops, museum, hair salon, herbal dispensary, chemist, Laundromat etc,

The Raglan township is approx an 8 min drive from Whale Bay. The nearest city to Raglan is Hamilton, with all big city facilities. Hamilton is 50 km east and takes about 40 minutes to drive. The north island ski fields are approx 3.5 hours away. The East coast surfing beaches are approx 2 hours away and Rotorua (NZs cultural heritage city) is approx 2 hours away.