The magic of Raglan starts on State Highway Route 23, the Road to Raglan. This scenic road passes through Waikato farm land before heading over the Waipa River and up over the hills of the deviation, known to locals as the dev or divvy. After crossing the range the road descends in a series of steep twists and turns down a valley before heading to Raglan and the wild west coast.
SH 23 is celebrated in the 1990 song, The Road to Raglan by Chris Thompson.
The main road to Raglan, State Highway 23 starts in Dinsdale, Hamilton at the roundabout. It takes about 35 minutes from Dinsdale travelling west. After leaving the city fringe, a short trip with rural views on State Highway Twenty Three takes you to Whatawhata. Then it is across the Waipa River bridge for a drive on the scenic mountain road to Raglan. Driving info is on the Driving to Raglan page.
Driving west or taking the blue Route 23 bus, along the way some features are:
Four Brothers Reserve – Karamu Walkway
This reserve is close to the summit of SH23 as you drive west. Park in the small off-road car park. There are usually a few wild hens around. It’s a 15 minute walk for the first views. Further along the walkway there are superb 360 degree views and impressive limestone bluffs.. It also provides an opportunity to walk over farmland with farm animals close at hand. You can choose to do the whole walkway or a section of it.
Four Brothers Track (15 min/630 m one way)
Start at the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve car park on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway (SH 23). A moderate 15 min climb through bush leads to the reserve’s southern boundary, open farmland and good views.
Karamu Walkway North (1 hr one way)
Start from the car park on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway along the Four Brothers Track before crossing open farmland. This section of the walkway is across private land so please respect the owner’s rights. Follow the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge to Old Mountain Road. There are great views of the Hakarimata Range in the north, Karioi and the coast to the west, Pirongia to the south and Hamilton city to the east.
Descending down the hill as you head west the landscape is framed by the walls of the valley. At the bottom of the hill the road passes over the Waitetuna River and then turns west passing Waitetuna Valley Road on the left. There are artist studios to visit in this area, but you’ll need to phone first to arrange a visit and venture up the side roads:
- KARRON CAMPBELL AND RICKIE HILL- The Creative Work Shop: Paintings, sculptures and crafts at 251A Cogswell Rd, Raglan. Phone 07 825 5700
- ROB KEAR: Artist, Weaver, Flax Sculptor, Paint, Steel & Clay at 8 Totara Grove, Waitetuna. Phone 07 825 5277, Email rob.zee@actrix.co.nz
- CLARE WIMMER- Abode Pottery: Porcelain lighting, vessels, wall pieces and organic forms at 33C Waitetuna Valley Road, RD1, Raglan (Wheelchair access). Phone 021 619 567, Email wimmerdc@xtra.co.nz
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Playground, Adventure Activities
3216 Main Road, State Highway 23, Te Uku
P.O. Box 69, Raglan
Phone 07 825 5753, Email playgroundevents@xtra.co.nz
Waingaro Hot Springs
** Please note: As from January 2014, the pools and slides are closed until further notice. The Hotel, all motels, cabins and camping sites are open as usual **
2263 Waingaro Road, Waingaro- 15 mins north of SH 23
Phone 07 825 4761
Email waingaro.hot.springs@clear.net.nz
Web http://www.waingarohotsprings.co.nz/
Three hot mineral pools open daily 9am-9.30pm with a family camp in a picturesque setting. Wide variety of activities and facilities on site and camp store. Animals, deer park and aviary. Dump station. Accommodation includes motels, flat, cabins (built 2005), tent and power sites.
** Please note: As from January 2014, the pools and slides are closed until further notice. The Hotel, all motels, cabins and camping sites are open as usual **
Waingaro Hotel – Country pub restaurant
2277 Waingaro Road, Waingaro- 15 mins north of SH 23
Phone 07 825 4827
Te Uku Roast Office – Coffee and teas in old 1924 Post Office
SH 23, Te Uku village
Te Uku Roast Office top in 2012 Raglan Website Poll for best coffee
Te Uku Stores Ltd
Four Square, fruit, vegetables, groceries and 24 hour fuel.
SH 23 Te Uku village
Phone 07 825 5860
Te Uku Wind Farm-Viewing point and information display next to church in Te Uku village
Bridal Veil/ Waireinga Falls – 10 mins south of SH 23
Pipiwharaurora Walking & Biking Trail (Te Uku Wind Farm) – 10 mins south of SH 23