Discovering the spectacular coastal settlement of Castlepoint
There are collective sighs and gasps of delight when people see the coastal settlement of Castlepoint in the Wairarapa for the first time.
Located on New Zealand’s east coast, about 50 minutes’ drive from Masterton, Castlepoint is absolutely spectacular thanks to its unique geology, collection of charming baches (a NZ term for holiday home) and distinctive holiday atmosphere. Although small in population, it is big on history.
Castlepoint was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 after he saw a remarkable fortress like rock jutting out of the land at the southern end of the exposed cliff face from his ship. Over the next century, the area was shaped by pioneers who made their living from the land and from the sea. The wild nature of this slice of coastline meant ship wrecks were common so in 1913 a lighthouse was built on the northern point of the limestone reef and lagoon, with its beam of light designed to protect all those who sailed passed. Although the lighthouse became fully automated in 1988, it had previously been manned by a series of lighthouse keepers – their wonderful stories only adding to the romance of the settlement.
These days, visitors can walk up a concrete path to the lighthouse and take in stunning views both north and south along the coastline with its golden sand beaches. It is not uncommon to see pods of dolphins out at sea, seals and sea lions nestled in the rocks as well as a wide variety of bird life.
Complementing the view, is a collection of colourful baches, a bustling general store and camping ground part of which has elevated sites ensuring visitors get the million dollar view without the price tag.
Castlepoint is an all-year around destination with its changing seas and changing skies constantly altering the mood of the place. Not surprisingly though, the sea-side community swells with holiday makers each summer who enjoy the endless fishing, surfing, swimming and walking opportunities Castlepoint provides. Several fishing competitions are held over this period too, attracting anglers from all around the lower North Island, as they attempt to reel in gurnard, kahawai and blue cod.
Castlepoint is an easy day trip from Masterton but even better experienced over a couple of days. Hire a bach or stay in a cabin at the camp ground – that way you will have heaps of time to explore this remarkable slice of New Zealand coast line.
Must-do’s at Castlepoint
- Watch the sunrise – thanks to the limestone reef and lighthouse, Castlepoint must be one of the most picturesque locations to wake-up in along New Zealand’s east coast.
- Walk up to the lighthouse, which has guarded over this coastline for more than 100 years. Don’t forget your camera as the views are stunning.
- Coincide your visit with March’s Castlepoint Beach Horse Races – a fun, family day out. The beach races date back to 1872 when local farmhands would race each other for bottles of rum and stray coins. Today, thoroughbreds have replaced farm hacks and the day is as much about picnicking and family as it is about horses. Betting is allowed but you'll be allocated a horse at random, for a ticket price of $2.
- Take your golf clubs. There is a 9-hole golf course with ocean views and just across the road is the country pub, The Whakataki Hotel which does great meals. The garden bar makes for a terrific 19th hole.
- Grab fish and chips or an icecream from the Castlepoint Store and eat them while looking out over the bay.
- Stretch the legs on the Deliverance Cove walk, a loop track that can be done either direction. Start at the carpark near the Church, walk through the pine trees above the lagoon and follow the reserve boundary to the base of Castle Rock.
- Take time to visit Mataikona, a 10-minute drive north from Castlepoint. At low tide you can see exposed rocks that are set like waves of stone, some of which have spiky edges like a dinosaur. The beach is a favourite for crayfish and paua collectors and for school children to study the rocky shore.
- Look up at night time. Low light pollution makes for stunning star gazing.
- Feel like a kid again and run down the large sand dunes at the northern end of the beach.
- The road to and from Castlepoint passes through the rural village of Tinui, which is widely regarded to be the first place in the world to have a formal celebration of Anzac Day in 1916. From November 1st to April 25th, people can complete the Anzac Walkway which weaves through farmland and native bush to the top of Mt Maunsell, where there is a large Anzac Cross and 360 degree views (it’s steep, so allow a couple of hours to complete this).
For more information on spectacular coastal settlement of Castlepoint or on any of the companies that offer one-day tours along the coast please visit, www.wairarapanz.com.
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