Scenic Harbour Cruises, Sunset Cruises and Private Boat Charters in Raglan
Experience Raglan from the water aboard Wahinemoe, the spacious two-level catamaran operated by Raglan Boat Charters. Departing from Raglan Wharf, our cruises explore the sheltered waters of Raglan Harbour, also known as Whaingaroa, passing native bush, limestone formations, black-sand coastline and secluded bays best seen from the water.
Wahinemoe offers indoor and outdoor seating, a large upper deck, a licensed bar, music and plenty of space to move around. Whether you join us for a daytime harbour cruise, a sunset cruise or a private celebration, our aim is simple: a friendly, memorable and genuinely local experience.
Raglan Boat Charters is Qualmark Gold certified and ranked in the top 5% of attractions worldwide on Tripadvisor. Look for Wahinemoe, the large silver catamaran departing from Raglan Wharf.
Why Cruise with Raglan Boat Charters?
- Scenic 90-minute harbour cruises
- Raglan sunset cruises
- Lunchtime nature cruises
- Private boat charters
- Licensed onboard bar
- Optional fish and chips
- Indoor and outdoor seating with a spacious upper deck
- Wheelchair access
- Capacity for up to 70 guests
Raglan Sunset Cruise
Finish your day in Raglan with a relaxed sunset cruise aboard Wahinemoe. As we cruise the sheltered harbour, the late-afternoon light settles across the water, hills and black-sand coastline, and every evening is different. Find a seat on the upper deck, enjoy a drink from the licensed bar and take in the scenery with good music and entertaining commentary from the crew. Fresh fish and chips from Raglan Fish can be added to your booking as an optional pre-order.
Popular with couples, families, groups of friends, visitors and locals. Advance booking is recommended in summer, on weekends and over holiday periods.
Lunchtime Nature Cruise
Our 90-minute Lunchtime Nature Cruise is an easy way to discover Raglan Harbour. Cruising through calm, sheltered waters, you will see native bush, birdlife, limestone formations, black-sand beaches and quiet corners of the harbour many visitors never experience. Your skipper shares local history, harbour stories, geology and a bit of Raglan humour along the way. It is a relaxed cruise, not a formal lecture, with time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs. Additional lunchtime departures may be available for groups of ten or more.
Private Boat Charters
Make Wahinemoe your own private party venue. We host birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, weddings, staff functions, Christmas parties, celebrations of life, ash-scattering ceremonies, community outings and group events, for up to 70 guests across the licensed bar, indoor lounge, outdoor decks and upper viewing area.
A private charter can be as relaxed or as lively as you choose. Bring your own music, arrange catering or use the onboard barbecue, and our team will help plan a charter that suits your group and occasion. For weddings and ceremonies, we keep things flexible rather than locking you into a fixed package. For celebrations of life and ash scatterings, the calm waters of Raglan Harbour offer a peaceful, private setting, and our crew treat these occasions with care and respect. For staff functions and corporate events, the onboard sound system and microphone are available for music, speeches and presentations.
Wahinemoe also suits clubs, retirement villages, tour groups, schools and community organisations, with a stable catamaran design, wheelchair access and a sheltered operating area suitable for a wide range of ages and mobility levels.
About Wahinemoe
Wahinemoe, meaning “sleeping lady,” is a purpose-built passenger catamaran designed for comfortable harbour cruising and entertaining. At approximately 15 metres long and 5 metres wide, she offers two spacious levels with a licensed bar, kitchen and barbecue, indoor lounge, outdoor decks, upper viewing deck, sound system, tea and coffee facilities, two toilets and wheelchair access.
Wahinemoe operates within the sheltered waters of Raglan Harbour and does not cross the Raglan bar into the open sea, so guests enjoy the scenery without ocean swell.
Book Direct
Book directly with Raglan Boat Charters for current public cruise times, sunset departures and private charter enquiries.
- Raglan Wharf, 92 Wallis Street, Raglan, Waikato 3225.
- Telephone: 07 825 6522
Look for Wahinemoe, the large silver catamaran operated by Raglan Boat Charters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the public harbour cruises?
Our public lunchtime nature cruises and sunset cruises are approximately 90 minutes.
Where do the cruises depart from?
Raglan Wharf, 92 Wallis Street, Raglan.
Can I book the whole boat privately?
Yes. Wahinemoe is available for private charters, including birthdays, weddings, family celebrations, staff functions, Christmas parties, group outings, celebrations of life and ash scatterings.
How many guests can Wahinemoe accommodate?
Up to 70 guests.
Is food available onboard?
Fresh fish and chips can be added as an optional pre-order on selected public cruise bookings. Catering and barbecue options can also be discussed for private charters.
Is there a bar onboard?
Yes, a licensed bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Is Wahinemoe wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the main passenger areas and toilet facilities are wheelchair accessible. Guests with particular mobility requirements should contact us before booking.
Does the boat go into the open ocean?
No. Wahinemoe stays within the sheltered waters of Raglan Harbour and does not cross the Raglan bar.
Are children welcome?
Yes, on public cruises and private charters, when accompanied by a responsible adult.
What should I bring?
Suitable clothing for the conditions. It can get cooler on the water after sunset, so a jacket, camera and sunglasses are recommended.
