Ruapuke Beach is a remote and untouched beach located south of Raglan and Mount Karioi. It is a spectacular beach, around 12 km long, backed by grass-covered dunes and cliffs, with black sand and powerful surf. It's perfect for experienced surfers and those who prefer their beaches far from the crowd.
There are two access roads towards the beach's north end. The first, Swann Access Road, is off Whaanga Road and takes you to the north end of the beach. The second is Ruapuke Beach Road, which connects with the end of Whaanga Road 4.2 km further south. A commercial campground is also on Whaanga Road, about 400 metres past the Swann Access Road turnoff.
There are few people in the area today, but it once had a relatively large Māori population, evidenced by pā sites, heaps of shells and storage pits. The archaeological map shows over 40 sites in the area.
The NZ government bought 1,786 hectares from Ngāti Whakamarurangi in the mid-1850s. The first European settlers, George Charlton and his sons-in-law, Captains Swann and Liddell, arrived in the 1850s. Most of the land, which was covered in scrub, with forest on the slopes of Mount Karioi and further inland, was converted to farmland. It has changed little since.
The drive to Ruapuke from Raglan to the north is also an adventure. Although it is only 23 km, it takes 45 minutes on sealed Wainui Road, which becomes the very windy, often narrow Whaanga Road. This follows the west coast along the northern and western edge of Mount Karioi. Te Toto Gorge and the Mount Karioi Track are about halfway.
There is an easier route. From State Highway 23, which connects Raglan to Hamilton, turn onto Te Mata Road about 8 km east of Raglan. Stay on Te Mata Road until you reach Ruapuke Road. This takes you to the beach, mostly on sealed roads.
