Indicators (Raglan)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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.
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Mar: 3/2mmMay–Sep: 4/3mm + Boots
Crowds by Season

Can be very crowded on weekends and during prime swell events.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter (June to August) brings the most rainfall and strongest frontal storm systems.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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)
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuitBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • Avoid private land.
  • Keep low to rocks.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (October to May) for consistent outdoor weather.
Bridal Veil Falls (Waireinga)12 km

Spectacular waterfall a short drive from the coast.

Mount Karioi Hiking5 km

Hike to the summit of an extinct volcano with panoramic coastal views.

The Shack1 km

Local café known for a sustainable and seasonal menu.

Raglan West Playground2 km

Family-friendly park near calmer harbor waters.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.