Castlepoint travel guide

It is a major diversion to get to this remote coastal settlement (65 km from Masterton) but the trip is well worth it. Castlepoint is considered to be the highlight on the Wairarapa’s wild and remote coastline and it certainly deserves the honour. At the eastern end of the main beach a stark rocky headland, from which sprouts the Castlepoint Lighthouse, sweeps south to enclose a large lagoon. The picturesque bay, which is itself a popular spot with surfers and swimmers, is dominated at its southern entrance by the aptly named 162-m Castle Rock, which can be accessed from the southern end of the bay. The lighthouse can be accessed across the sand tombolo which connects it to the mainland via a boardwalk. Just below the lighthouse there is a cave that can be explored at low tide, but beware – Maori legend has it that it is the hiding place of a huge menacing octopus. One word of warning: a small memorial stone testifies to the number of people who have drowned while exploring the offshore reef, so take care. On its eastern side, huge ocean waves can catch you unawares. While contemplating the memorial stone, look closely at the rocks that surround it and you will see hundreds of fossil shells embedded therein.