Are you considering traveling to New Zealand but do not want to visit tourist hotspots? Then Castlepoint is the place for you! It’s about an hour’s journey from Masterton to the east coast of Wairarapa, on the North Island. Besides its picturesque beauty, what activities are available after you get to Castlepoint? Let us describe the joy you will undoubtedly feel.
1. Castlepoint: One of the best views in New Zealand
One of the most breathtaking locations along the Wairarapa coastline is Castlepoint, which features a stunning 162 m high Castle Rock and a limestone reef rich in fossils. The area has a rich natural heritage and long sections of coastline that are perfect for various water-based recreational activities.
The Castlepoint Scenic Reserve includes the reef, lagoon, sand dunes, and Castle Rock. The reserve preserves exceptional landforms and is the only place in the world where a rare shrubby daisy is found. The only places where the Castlepoint daisy, Brachyglottis compactus, grows are on the reef and Castle Rock’s crumbled limestone.
The reserve is home to several seabird species and has many dolphin species, fur seal species, and even small whale species. The south end of the reef is home to white-fronted terns, red-billed gulls, and black shags, while reef herons and black-backed gulls build their nests on Castle Rock’s craggy cliffs.
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2. Why is Castlepoint called Castlepoint?
Captain Cook gave the town of Castlepoint its name in 1770 because he noticed how similar Castle Rock’s battlements were to those of a castle.
3. Things to do in Castlepoint, Wairarapa
Castle point Lighthouse
The lighthouse is this location’s main draw. It commands considerable attention from the visitors as it stands towering atop the Castlerock. You can take a walk from the beach to the hills to go to the lighthouse, which will give you an amazing view.
It’s even amazing if you go bay-watching. Carrying a pair of binoculars is all you need to do to perhaps see dolphins and whales during certain seasons. The cliff is not difficult to climb and will undoubtedly provide the ideal vista. Keep an eye on the weather before making any preparations, as high tides can often catch you off guard.
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Castlerock: The best spot to have a great view possible
This is the spot to be if you want the greatest view possible. You cannot ignore the Castlerock while the lighthouse is still in the spotlight. You need to walk the Deliverance Cove Track, which takes 30 minutes to complete, to get there.
A stunningly beautiful panoramic vista is waiting for you when you reach the summit. The beautiful night sky will surely amuse you just as much as the sunrises and sunsets will.
Relax on Castlepoint Beach
The only beach in the area is appropriately named Castlepoint Beach. It is a long, sandy area that is ideal for lying down and getting a summer tan. It is a treat for all nature enthusiasts because cliffs and a peninsula surround it.
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Photographic and visual media
This location is a gem if you are one of those people that seizes any opportunity to photograph the most picturesque scenes and moments. You can shoot, use a video editor to edit, and post your story all at once. This is raw and untapped. Because you already saw the beauty, why keep your fans waiting? Each aspect has its attractions that can be exquisitely captured, whether the cliff’s peak or the area between the plateau and the lighthouse.
Fishing
Join the locals on their fishing expeditions to capture a few fish. After scaling the cliffs, you will see some residents fishing by the river. Some appetizers could be your prize. So, if you’re up for some fun and solitude by yourself, don’t forget to bring your fishing gear.
Explore oceanic life
Castlepoint’s beach, which is undeveloped, frequently receives dolphin and fur seal visitors. Sounds intriguing, no? There is more involved. Even the seabirds may be seen, including, among others, black shags and red-billed gulls. The Castlepoint daisy, a popular attraction on the Castlerock and reefs, can be found if you prefer plants.
Hiking and bicycling
You don’t want to stay put and explore the surrounding areas, do you? For the adventurer in you, the Rahui Coastal Loop is best traversed by bicycle or on foot. There are some quick hikes, but they are worthwhile.
If you don’t feel like going on a strenuous climb, you can simply stroll around the Whareama Coastal Walk, which is a leisurely exercise.
Watersports
Do not pass up the opportunity to participate in water activities like swimming and surfing if you stay overnight during your long weekend trip! Between the plateau and the cliff, there are a few waves that are ideal for surfing. Additionally, the sandy beach makes it simple to get to the sea and is secure for other activities.
Golf
Are you up for a game? It is golf. A 9-hole golf course with beautiful coastline views is also available at Castlepoint. If that is already filled, you can travel to other nearby golf courses within an hour to play more.
Visit wineries
Why wait till you get there to enjoy yourself to the fullest? It is available right there on the highway. You can have a small treat while traveling to Castlepoint by stopping at one of the region’s wineries and making the journey memorable.
4. Tips for visiting Castlepoint, Wairarapa
- Extremely hazardous reefs and erratic sea conditions are present. Watch out for rogue and tide waves.
- Within this reserve, you might have unforeseen encounters with New Zealand fur seals. Do not approach or disturb them.
- Keep away from cliffs since there could be rockfalls close to Castle Rock.
- There is no camping allowed in reserve. There is only one location where camping is allowed, which is at Castlepoint Motorcamp near the beach’s northern end.
- The sand dunes are off-limits to motorcycles and other vehicles.
- The removal of fossils is prohibited.
- When you go, clean up your trash.
- Recycle plastic, paper, glass, and aluminum.
- Pets should be on leashes.
- Don’t annoy birds that are nesting.
5. Getting to Castlepoint
On the east coast of the Wairarapa, Castle point is about a one-hour drive from Masterton. On the northern outskirts of Masterton, take a right onto Te Ore Ore Road. Leading directly to Castle point, this road changes its name to the Masterton Castlepoint Road.
6. The best time to visit Castlepoint
Castle point experiences its best weather in January, February, March, April, November, and December. The warmest months are typically January, February, and March.
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