Indicators (Raglan)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Indicators (Raglan) is a highly exposed left-hand point break that breaks over a rock/boulder bottom, delivering exceptionally fast, hollow/barreling sections. Sources repeatedly emphasize its performance character—long, powerful rides with a heavy take-off—while describing two main sections (Outers and Insides), where the Insides area is harder and more barrelly. Swell preference centers on SW/W directions, with working swell windows described by sources ranging from about 1–4 meters (with another source giving 5–10 ft). Ride length can be very long when the line connects, and the break is noted for holding size on larger swells; at the same time, larger surf tends to bring stronger currents and a grueling paddle back. The most difficult part is typically access: entry and exit involve slippery boulders and sharp rocks, with sea urchins reported in crevices. Local guidance advises waiting for lulls when moving over the rock areas and keeping low when walking to takeoff; booties are recommended for rock-walking. Given the speed of the break and the rock hazard, this spot is best treated as an advanced/ expert-only environment, with careful respect for lineup priority and standard etiquette. Condition consistency and seasonal timing are highlighted by multiple sources, with best months including March and an autumn emphasis (March to May) for consistency and offshore winds. Crowd levels are described as sometimes crowded, especially on weekends or prime events, so arriving prepared and managing timing around swell sets is important.
- Final-jewel reputation among Raglan point breaks; prized for speed and hollow sections.
- Long left-hand point break with Outers and Insides, including more barrelly Insides.
- Works on SW/W swells and is noted for holding size on larger swells.
- One of the powerhouse / world-class left-hand point breaks in the region.
- Very fast and powerful with long hollow/barreling sections.
- Works with reasonably consistent surf and can operate at different times of year.
- Expert-advanced surfing only due to heavy take-off and extremely fast hollow sections.
- Hardest part is getting in and out over the rocks, especially with big sets and currents.
- No lifeguard presence reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, S
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Sources describe mixed conditions; one provider also notes offshore grooming with East and Southeast winds.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Cliffs provide some shelter from light southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sands/transition areas are noted by one source; the break and entry are dominated by boulders/rock bottom.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Providers vary from medium to big; one source emphasizes very large swells.
- Launch
- Small — Difficult entry via steep/rocky cliff base or steep walking track, with slippery boulders.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Moderate to difficult depending on conditions; rocky entry and slippery boulders are repeatedly emphasized.
Through the year
Can be very crowded on weekends and during prime swell events.
Winter (June to August) brings the most rainfall and strongest frontal storm systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Long left-hand point break with two main parts (Outers and Insides). Insides is harder and more barrelly; heavy take-off and ultra-fast hollow/barreling sections with an exposed, powerful profile.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — One source also notes low tide as optimal; overall guidance indicates it can work across all tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East and Southeast winds provide groomed offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds well on larger swells and becomes more challenging with heavy currents.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Also described as excellent and capable of long, hollow rides.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Multiple sources emphasize exceptional speed and power; one describes ultra-fast hollow sections.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Providers describe hollow/barreling sections; one notes Outers and Insides, with Insides being harder/more barrelly.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Longest of Raglan’s point breaks; can reach very long rides when sections connect on a large swell.
- Typical Ride Length
- 250 m
- Ride Length Details
- Some sources cite rides up to about 250 meters typically, and up to roughly 600 meters when sections connect on a large swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Indicators (Raglan) in the full forecast view.
Indicators (Raglan) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–21 ktsGusts 41 kts
- Direction
- W260°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2721 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–3.7 m10s period
- Temperature
- 12–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Indicators (Raglan) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 1.6–3.7 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sharp rocks
- Large boulders
- Sea urchins in the crevices
- Long paddle out
- Strong sweep and rip currents (especially on larger swells)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional guidance indicates limited rescue coverage; Raglan Volunteer Coastguard operates in harbor/coastal waters.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Raglan town. Call 111 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup and priority system.
- Avoid private land.
- Keep low to rocks.
- Keep low to the rocks when walking to takeoff.
- Avoid crossing private land.
- Wait for lulls to enter or exit over the rocks to avoid being washed against the boulders.
- The paddle back to the point can be grueling during large swells due to current.
- Wear booties when walking over rocks/rocky entry.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Raglan
- Nearest Town
- Raglan
- Nearest Airport
- Hamilton Airport (50 km) / Auckland International Airport (about 150 km).
- Parking
- Parking is available at Ngarunui Beach Car Park (for Green Wave) and general Raglan town parking; another source notes limited dirt parking above the point on Whaanga Road.
- Public Transport
- Intercity buses provide limited connections to Hamilton; most visitors use private or rental vehicles.
- Access
- Located past Whale Bay; walk around to takeoff areas keeping low to rocks and avoiding private land.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Māori
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday parks, lodges, and vacation rentals are available in Raglan and Whale Bay.
- Food & Drink
- Various cafes and restaurants are located in the Raglan township (about a 10-minute drive away).
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf shops in Raglan town provide board and wetsuit rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Limited to certain specialized accommodations and school facilities near the harbor area.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair services are available in Raglan.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A coastal town known for world-famous surf culture and rugged scenery, with a vibrant eco-conscious community built around water sports.
Spectacular waterfall a short drive from the coast.
Hike to the summit of an extinct volcano with panoramic coastal views.
Local café known for a sustainable and seasonal menu.
Family-friendly park near calmer harbor waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Indicators (Raglan)?
The best overall months at Indicators (Raglan) are March, April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Indicators (Raglan)?
Indicators (Raglan) works with E, ESE, S winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, S.
What skill level is Indicators (Raglan) suitable for?
Indicators (Raglan) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.