Mount Karioi provides a magnificent backdrop for the views along beach

While the western end of Ngarunui Beach is the place to swim and surf, the eastern end of the beach is the best place to go for a walk along the beach.  By car you enter Ngarunui Beach from the car park at the north-eastern end from Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive (formerly Ocean Beach Road), where the beach begins.  And for about 1.5 kilometres your dog can have a run as this is a free run area for dogs. The remaining area is a leash area for dogs.

This is not a safe place for swimming.

Dogs enjoying a free run on the beach

If you want a longer walk there is also the option of walking from Raglan across the footbridge and the Domain.  Except at spring high tides you can walk about 6km along the beach to the far south-western end of Ngarunui Beach.

Things to do along Ngarunui Beach 

Walking and Running

There is plenty of sand to pick your own path

There is plenty of smooth blacksand on the beach, especially at low tide, so you can walk and run where you want to. Along the way there is Raglan’s North Head hill and trig station on the land side. On the beach you’ll find rock formations surrounded by sand, with one of the bigger rocks known as elephant rock. The view of the wide beach expanse is stunning with Karioi in background. Access to the beach is through a designated crossing through the sand dunes from the car park.

Paddling

Along the way there are pools and rocks

At low tide there are plenty shallow pools that warm up on sunny days.  So stop and have a paddle when you find a pool.  Some of the pools are deep enough for children to swim in.

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarders at the harbour mouth

The harbour mouth area to the east of the end of Kereopa Drive is the main kiteboarding area in Raglan.

Getting to Ngarunui Beach

From the carpark walk through the fenced access way through the dunes to get to the beach

From Raglan drive down Wainui Road, keep going across the one way bridge, continue on Wainui Road passing Poihakena Marae on the right, and turn right into Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive, then follow the road curving left along the beach front.  Go straight ahead for the beach access and car parks or park on the side of the road for kite boarding.

There are public toilets along the beach road.

In peak summer periods there is a food caravan near the entrance to the carpark on the last private property on the beach side.