Castlepoint Guidebook
Sightseeing
Just 15 minutes' drive north of Castlepoint you'll find one of the region's hidden geological gems - the Mataikona Rocks.
These fascinating rock formations - some of them in striking, spiky rows - are the result of sandstone being compressed by the weight of the Pacific Ocean, then bent and buckled by colliding tectonic plates. They're usually hidden by the sea. But time your drive for low tide and you'll see them all the way along the winding gravel road from Whakataki to the settlement of Mataikona. There are plenty of rockpools to explore too.
For divers, there are plenty of paua to collect and potentially an unsuspecting crayfish. Best time to dive Mataikona is on the low tide.
Coming from Castlepoint: Heading north out of town, take the right-hand turn just before the golf course and head north up the coast road.
Mataikona
Just 15 minutes' drive north of Castlepoint you'll find one of the region's hidden geological gems - the Mataikona Rocks.
These fascinating rock formations - some of them in striking, spiky rows - are the result of sandstone being compressed by the weight of the Pacific Ocean, then bent and buckled by colliding tectonic plates. They're usually hidden by the sea. But time your drive for low tide and you'll see them all the way along the winding gravel road from Whakataki to the settlement of Mataikona. There are plenty of rockpools to explore too.
For divers, there are plenty of paua to collect and potentially an unsuspecting crayfish. Best time to dive Mataikona is on the low tide.
Coming from Castlepoint: Heading north out of town, take the right-hand turn just before the golf course and head north up the coast road.
The Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk is a short trail that follows the cliffs above Castlepoint Scenic Reserve to one of the most iconic landmarks in New Zealand.
Take in breathtaking views over the Wairarapa Coast, fossick for fossil shells on the beach below, and revel in the history of one of the country's last remaining beam lighthouses built in 1913. You may even unexpectedly encounter a colony of fur seals sunbathing in the reserve.
Castlepoint Lighthouse is the North Island's tallest lighthouse standing 52 metres above sea level and is one of only two left in New Zealand with a rotating beam. It is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand.
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Castlepoint Lighthouse
The Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk is a short trail that follows the cliffs above Castlepoint Scenic Reserve to one of the most iconic landmarks in New Zealand.
Take in breathtaking views over the Wairarapa Coast, fossick for fossil shells on the beach below, and revel in the history of one of the country's last remaining beam lighthouses built in 1913. You may even unexpectedly encounter a colony of fur seals sunbathing in the reserve.
Castlepoint Lighthouse is the North Island's tallest lighthouse standing 52 metres above sea level and is one of only two left in New Zealand with a rotating beam. It is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand.
The two possible routes on this Castlepoint walk offer spectacular views as you climb above the lagoon to the base of Castle Rock.
Walk through the pines above the beach at Castlepoint Scenic Reserve and follow the reserve boundary to the base of Castle Rock. Alternatively walk south along the beach and follow the track up through coastal grassland to meet the boundary track at the saddle. Access to the top of Castle Rock is not recommended as it is unsafe.
Deliverance Cove Track
The two possible routes on this Castlepoint walk offer spectacular views as you climb above the lagoon to the base of Castle Rock.
Walk through the pines above the beach at Castlepoint Scenic Reserve and follow the reserve boundary to the base of Castle Rock. Alternatively walk south along the beach and follow the track up through coastal grassland to meet the boundary track at the saddle. Access to the top of Castle Rock is not recommended as it is unsafe.
Rahui Coastal Loop is a 1 or 3 day ebike adventure with the trip starting 15min drive from Castlepoint. ebikes are available for hire or bring your own. The Day trip takes in leafy quiet countryside, a constant gravel climb through remote country, awesome downhill to the Mataikona river bringing you out to the East coast, wicked coastal section all the way back to Castlepoint. For more details please contact Lucinda via the website: https://www.rahuicoastal.co.nz/
Rahui Coastal Loop
1237a Tinui Valley RoadRahui Coastal Loop is a 1 or 3 day ebike adventure with the trip starting 15min drive from Castlepoint. ebikes are available for hire or bring your own. The Day trip takes in leafy quiet countryside, a constant gravel climb through remote country, awesome downhill to the Mataikona river bringing you out to the East coast, wicked coastal section all the way back to Castlepoint. For more details please contact Lucinda via the website: https://www.rahuicoastal.co.nz/
The Tinui Anzac Walkway is open from 1st November to 25th April, the walk is an opportunity to experience spectacular views; you will walk through native bush and exotic forestry and arrive at the Anzac memorial Cross in just over one hour (3.1 kms). It's steep in places so strong footwear is a must. The track is through a working forest and farm so no dogs please. The walk starts at the Tinui cemetery and it's free. For further information visit the Tinui Cafe & Bar in the village or download the brochure at http://www.wairarapa100.co.nz/tinui-anzac-cross .
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Tinui ANZAC Walkway
194 Masterton-Castlepoint RdThe Tinui Anzac Walkway is open from 1st November to 25th April, the walk is an opportunity to experience spectacular views; you will walk through native bush and exotic forestry and arrive at the Anzac memorial Cross in just over one hour (3.1 kms). It's steep in places so strong footwear is a must. The track is through a working forest and farm so no dogs please. The walk starts at the Tinui cemetery and it's free. For further information visit the Tinui Cafe & Bar in the village or download the brochure at http://www.wairarapa100.co.nz/tinui-anzac-cross .
Food scene
Castlepoint Store is an iconic and uniquely positioned general store and takeaways in the seaside township of Castlepoint in the Wairarapa. Famous for its stunning scenery and surf beaches, Castlepoint is a holiday destination for Kiwis and visitors and the store occupies a prominent position directly across from the beach.
Supplying grocery items, hot takeaway food, L'affare coffee, cafe-style cabinet food and off licence alcohol, this is a one-stop-shop with no other store within a 60-kilometre radius. Prices are a little on the high side, but nonetheless very handy to have a local store to top up on general items or just to grab a bite to eat.
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Castlepoint Store
44 Jetty RdCastlepoint Store is an iconic and uniquely positioned general store and takeaways in the seaside township of Castlepoint in the Wairarapa. Famous for its stunning scenery and surf beaches, Castlepoint is a holiday destination for Kiwis and visitors and the store occupies a prominent position directly across from the beach.
Supplying grocery items, hot takeaway food, L'affare coffee, cafe-style cabinet food and off licence alcohol, this is a one-stop-shop with no other store within a 60-kilometre radius. Prices are a little on the high side, but nonetheless very handy to have a local store to top up on general items or just to grab a bite to eat.