Kopua Reserve
Playing in the sand on the beach at Kopua
Te Kopua or Papahua is a popular beach reserve just across the footbridge from the Raglan town area. The 18 hectare Papahua Block was given by the Maori owners to the Raglan Town Board in 1923, “To be a playground for Raglan people of both races for all time.”
Today the reserve is still used for that purpose, mainly by beach goers wanting a safe swim, a picnic at the beach, or a walk along the beach or the reserve. There are public toilets and changing rooms just along from the picnic areas.
Waka Ama at Kopua
It also has an all tides boat launching ramp. The local waka ama club stores their waka just north of the launching ramp.
Also north of the launching ramp is a small burial area with the grave of prominent local chief Te Awa-i-taia (Wi Neera) and a monument erected in his honour.
Papahua Footbridge
2011 steel sculpture or po at Te Kopua, by Simon Te Wheoro, which guards the new Papahua Footbridge in the background
The reserve is linked to the town area by a footbridge. There have been three bridges, the first one built in concrete in 1929. The foundations were insufficient and salt water and black sand were used for mixing the cement. In 1962 the first bridge was closed as unsafe and removed. A new narrow one was built in 1963 and in the early 21st century its foundations also became unsafe. In 2011 the current third bridge was built and the second bridge dismantled. The bridge can be used by pedestrians and cyclists. It is also frequently used by children to jump off into the water.
The sidewalls of the bridge are multicoloured inspired by the colours of the paua shell. The bridge and piers are floodlit at night with low energy multi-coloured lights.
Things to do at Kopua Reserve
Skateboard Park
Using the skatepark extension
The reserve has a skateboard park with a bowl plus an extension with a snake run and a taco.
Swimming and Beach Fun
The black sand beach area next to the estuary north and south of the footbridge provides a safe place for swimming, building sand castles, relaxing, having barbeques and picnics. Groups often put up gazebos for the day on the grassed area next to estuary beach.
Children’s Play Area
Part of kid's play area
The children’s play area just south of the footbridge has the usual mix of swings, see saws and adventure toys.
Barbeque
There is a public push button barbecue located between the changing sheds and the beach just north of the footbridge. There is no charge to use it.
Soccer Fields
Just behind the Kopua Camp Store are the soccer fields, a large grass area that’s useful for any family game over the summer months.
Fitness Trail
Station on Fitness Trail
Kopua is home to a 13 station fitness trail.
Dining
Kopua Camp Store – Jo’s Takeaways
Kopua Camp Store aka Jo's Takeaways
Takeaway fish & chips, seafoods, burgers, ice creams. Marine Parade, Te Kopua Domain, Raglan
Phone: 825 8761
Te Kopua Camp Store top in 2010 Raglan Website Poll for Fish & Chips
Advertise with the Raglan Website
Walking
Walk Across Footbridge from Town Area
Sculpture or po 'Te Toka koropu pu o Ranginui' by Pakawa Watene on town (eastern) side of footbridge
The walk from the Raglan town area to Kopua across the footbridge takes about 5 minutes each way. It is flat and an easy walk starting at the jetty park at the harbour end of Bow St.
Beach Walk
Walk and cycle map for Te Kopua area - From WEC's Raglan walking and cycling map
After crossing the footbridge turn north (right) and walk along the harbour edge around the point on the sandy black ironsand beach. There are two old concrete pill boxes left from the second world war. Apart from that it is a pleasant beach walk. Return back along the beach or take a shortcut on one of the tracks from the beach back through the reserve.
Three Bridges Walk
A popular walk with Raglan locals is the walk around the three bridges- the footbridge, the bridge on Marine Parade by the airfield and the one way bridge on Wainui Road. After crossing the footbridge turn south (left) and follow the Opotoru estuary around. Keep turning left until you get onto Wainui Road then follow Wainui Road back to the Raglan town area.
Fishing and Boating
Marine Parade Launching Ramp
Marine Parade Launching Ramp, Kopua, Raglan
Smaller boats can be launched at the large launching ramp in Marine Parade adjacent to the Raglan Motor Camp and Kopua Reserve. This ramp is just a few minutes away from the Raglan town area. Boats launched here must be able to fit beneath the footbridge across the Opotoru Estuary to gain access to Raglan Harbour. There is plenty of parking for cars and trailers next to the launching ramp.
Fishos on the Point
Line Fishing
Recreational fishers line up on the sand along the edge of Raglan Harbour at Putoetoe Point on the entrance to the main part of the harbour.
Getting to Kopua
By car from Bow Street, Raglan turn into Wainui Road, keep going along Wainui Road and cross the one way bridge. Then turn right into Marine Parade and follow it to Kopua. Past the airfield is the Kopua Holiday Park on the left and the launching ramp on the right. Keep going straight ahead for the picnic area and skateboard park. There is plenty of parking alongside the road opposite the Kopua Camp Store.
Public Bus Service to Te Kopua
A public bus service is provided from Hamilton Terminal and Raglan by the Route 23 bus. While it runs every day, different services run at the weekend, public holidays and during the Christmas New Year period. The bus route is along Government Road and Wallis Street. The closest bus stops to Te Kopua are in Bow Street and Wallis Street. It is a five-minute walk from these bus stops across the footbridge to the reserve.
To download the Hamilton to Raglan bus timetable, click here or to view it as a web page click here.
Raglan Airfield
Raglan Airfield is next to the Raglan Kopua Holiday Park. It is listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication for New Zealand as NZRA and operated by the Waikato District Council. You can download the Civil Aviation information here: NZRA. the airfield is located at S37º 48′ E174º 51′. Motel units at the adjacent motor camp and a short walk across the footbridge to cafes in the town make this airfield a stop for private flights from around the upper North Island. The airfield is also a popular lunchtime and early evening destination for flyers. There are swimming beaches near the airfield. The runway is 646 metres long and 60 metres wide. Watch out for rabbit holes and people walking across the airfield. Pay the landing fee of $5 at the camping ground office.
Te Kopua Satellite View
Accommodation
Raglan Kopua Holiday Park
Marine Parade, Raglan
Since its establishment in 1938, the Raglan Kopua Holiday Park has become a mecca for tourists and visitors alike. Its location ensures easy access to the town area from the Holiday Park either by road or footbridge. This coupled with the beautiful location has made the camp ground an extremely popular spot for holiday or weekend breaks. Private plane owners can fly into the Raglan airfield, which is just 100 metres from the camp, and walk to the adjacent comfortable units.
The Holiday Park has 200 caravan sites, 100 non-powered sites, 3 cabins, 7 Tourist Flats, 4 Park Motels, and Bunk Room/Backpacker accommodation which suits large schools/groups and has sleeping for up to 60 persons.
| Click button below to book an unpowered site | Click button below to book a powered site | Click button below to book a kitchen cabin | ||
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