Words: Lester Perry
Images: Jeremy Hooper, Cam Mackenzie, Haimona Ngata

The Karioi Classic may be a stellar excuse for a mid-winter visit to Whāingaroa Raglan, but there are so many more great reasons to visit Raglan than just a lap of the maunga.

Although mainly known for its black sand beaches, world-renowned left-handers, and a rugged cliff-lined coast dotted with pockets of lush native bush, outside of its natural beauty, Raglan has become synonymous with art, music and a burgeoning foodie scene. The centre of town packs maximum variety and intrigue into its small size.

With event day being a Sunday, there’s an opportunity to take a slow day on Saturday to explore the local culture and sights. Begin the day with coffee at The Shack or The Wharf Kitchen and Bar, followed by a wander around the Putoetoe Walkway on the harbour’s edge before a slow breakfast at one of the many central eateries. The Shack and Wyld sit on opposite corners in the centre of town, and while they hog the limelight, there are multiple other eateries worth a peek just a short stroll away; you really can’t go wrong. Be sure to add Ulo’s Kitchen & Harbour View Hotel to your “places to dine” list, too. For arts and crafts, visit Made Art Gallery and Monster Company Pottery. Local artists Doug Ford and Karla Stevenson have once again crafted the Karioi Classic trophies and awards.

Pizza Piacè will be worth a stop as they’re offering $5 Corsican pizza slices as a Karioi Classic special. Local brewery, Workshop Brewing Company, will be at the event prizegiving with their non alcoholic drinks (Kombuchas, juices, etc.) Their central location will be open on the weekend to sample and buy their award-winning alcoholic brews.

If you’re keen for a shake-out ride, the world’s your oyster, but if you’re keen for a bit more spice, be sure to check out Te Ara Kakariki, Raglan’s mountain bike trails, located at Wainui Reserve. With mainly grade 2 trails, a gravel bike, and a thirst for excitement, are all you need for this spot. For a more subdued option, a spin down the road to Whale Bay and its world-famous left-hand break could be the solution. Mid-winter may not be the ideal time to be learning to surf, but if the surf’s pumping, it’s a great spot to watch some of the keen locals get amongst the action.

If you’re not too concerned about saving the legs for event day, a course recce may be in order, or even something entirely different: head north up the Gravel roads to Nikau Caves & Cafe. Begin the trip by taking the ferry (bookings required) across the Whāingaroa Harbour and head north up the gravelled coastline from there for roughly 40km. Strava heatmaps are a great place to start your planning. This ride is amazing, and on a clear day, the views down the coast, back to Mt. Karioi, are phenomenal.

A jaunt out to Wairēinga Bridal Veil Falls is hard to beat; this 40km ride (return) with minimal climbing is a perfect warm-up for a full lap of Karioi, and the waterfall isn’t bad either. If you’re extending your weekend or just keen to make the most of a visit, ride south to Kāwhia or the Oparau Roadhouse and return to Raglan (a 110km round trip), or add some extra climbing meters by heading further up Pirongia West road. In that case, the views alone are worth the climb.

Out near Wairēinga Bridal Veil Falls, another popular ride offers riders the unique opportunity to get up close with the Te Uku Wind Farm, and its 137-metre-high turbines. The roughly 2-hour return trip (from parking at the base), this gravel road winds its way through private farmland, ending at 430m above sea level. If you’re lucky, the conditions are perfect, and there’s a view all the way to Mt. Taranaki. The site is off-limits from August to October due to Lambing.

Raglan is a perfect spot to base yourself for riding adventures. Whether you ride North or South, there’s a smorgasbord of gravel on offer, intertwined with epic road riding and sightseeing, and multiple options to feed your pre- and post-ride appetites.

No visit to Raglan is complete without a visit to the Wharf, catch your own alongside the locals, or save yourself the hassle and buy some fresh fish or fish-n-chips from Raglan Fish, right there on the end of the pier. If your riding adventures aren’t enough Raglan Rock can sort you with rock climbing, caving and canyoning.

Got a bike problem? Need some event nutrition? There’s one man for the task, roll in and chat to Dirk at The Cyclery, 10 Bankart Street, not only can he probably fix your problem, he’s been at the helm of the Karioi Classic since the early days, so if you’re after inside intel, then he’s your man.

Accommodation options in the area are almost endless, from small boutique B&Bs to backpackers and high-end retreats; there’s something for every taste and budget. Don’t overlook a cabin at the Raglan Holiday Park, a classic Kiwi campground with clean, comfy surrounds, and it’s right on the harbour. Check out Groundswell Property for those looking for a larger rental and mention Karioi Classic.

As you see, a day or two simply isn’t enough time to get the most from a visit to Raglan; make a long weekend of it and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of this vibrant little town in gravel paradise.

More local information or bookings call into the Raglan iHUB open 7 days a week 10am – 3pm.