Castlepoint, New Zealand is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Wairarapa region of the North Island. It’s a small village tucked away on the east coast, known for its iconic lighthouse, sweeping golden beach and stunning viewpoints.
The area is named after Castle Rock, a towering 162 metre rocky landmark that was noted by Captain James Cook in 1770 for, you guessed it, looking like a castle. So creative! Castlepoint’s stunning landscapes attract visitors year round, on a day trip to explore the area or staying for a longer, more peaceful break away.
Whether you’re hiking to the top of Castle Rock, relaxing on the beach, or soaking in the views from the historic lighthouse, there’s something for everyone in this coastal gem of New Zealand.
Things to Do in Castlepoint
The big charm of the village isn’t in the amount on offer, but in the quality of the few things there are to do in Castelpoint.
Aside from the gorgeous drive through the scenic Wairapapa region to get to Castlepoint, which really does reinforce the saying that it’s about the journey, not just the destination, the scenery in Castlepoint is stunning. With rolling hills to one side, the open ocean on the other and a golden sandy beach in the middle, there’s something for everyone.
One of the top attractions is Castlepoint Lighthouse, one of New Zealand’s last remaining manned lighthouses, which provides stunning panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. It dates back to the early 1900s, and is a fairly easy walk up a slope and steps to get to. There’s a bench halfway if you want to stop and admire the view, but you’ll get to the top in about 5 minutes if you just go straight up.
For the hikers among us – disclaimer, not me! – the Castle Rock Track offers a moderately challenging climb with rewarding views from the summit. The Deliverance Cove Track is another popular option, providing yet more scenic coastal views and a closer look at Castle Rock.
There are some warnings included with these hikes, including not approaching any seals you might spot and keeping out of the reef by the lagoon due to its unpredictable nature and potential for loss of life.
For beach lovers, Castlepoint Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. It’s a long stretch of fine, golden sand that not only has gorgeous views but is also a hotspot for surfing, with those big offshore breezes bringing waves that attract both beginners and experienced surfers.
Fishing in Castlepoint isn’t for the faint hearted, as many people choose to pitch up on the rocks to cast their lines. The rocks and ledges by the lighthouse are high and exposed, and you’ll likely spot a few people there waiting for a catch. Alternatively, the rocks that border the lagoon are also a popular fishing spot, just be aware you might get the odd splash from a rogue wave!
Some parts of the beach are a little more sheltered from the wind, but if you’re coming with the family or just want something a bit less wavy, the lagoon is just a short walk from the beach and offers a far calmer paddling experience. On a windy day the waves can crash over the rocks, but the lagoon is a bit more sheltered from the elements.
If you’re feeling brave or have a sturdy car, you can also park on part of the beach at Castlepoint. Head down to the end by the lagoon and you’ll spot plenty of large vehicles parked up on the sand.
Although the sand is very compact in this area, I didn’t try parking on the beach as my car is just a little runaround model and I didn’t want to risk getting stuck there. Be careful if you’re in a rental car too as some companies don’t permit driving on the beach.
Where to Stay in Castlepoint
Being a compact place, Castlepoint has a limited choice of accommodation. You’ll find stunning holiday homes – what the locals call a bach (pronounced like batch, not like the composer) – and a holiday park in Castlepoint itself, but for more choice you’ll need to look at nearby Whakataki.
If you’re happy to visit Castlepoint for a day trip but still want to have a weekend break in the area, Masterton, Carterton, Greytown and Martinborough are all great choices to base yourself in with a gorgeous drive out to Castlepoint.
Masterton is a bigger town with more choice of accommodation, places to eat etc, but it’s not got the big town vibe. Carterton is a smaller town, with more of a rural vibe while still having all the amenities you need. Greytown is very charming, a personal favourite, and Martinborough is popular for the wineries, a great choice if you want to spend the rest of your weekend cycling between vineyards sampling the wine!
For those travelling in campervans, you’ve got a choice of campsites in and around Castlepoint, but it’s best to check the official guidance depending on the classfication of your campervan.
I stayed in an amazing property – Korimako’s Garden Nest Studio – just outside of Carterton, to then drive out to Castlepoint on a day trip.
It was the perfect balance of nature, comfort and switch-off vibes and I’d recommend a stay there to anyone!
When to Visit Castlepoint
Castlepoint is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (December to February) is the most popular season, with warm temperatures, calmer seas, and the best chance of good conditions for swimming and hiking, making the most of the stunning scenery.
Autumn (March to May) offers cooler weather, less crowds, but it’s more hit and miss whether you can go for a swim or brave the wind for a hike. Winter in Castlepoint (June to August) is perfect for those who enjoy solitude and rugged landscapes, though the weather can be unpredictable. Spring (September to November) brings blooming wildflowers and a hopefully refreshing breeze, making it a great time to explore the region.
One thing to note is that even on the most gorgeous, sunny days, the wind can still whip up as it comes in off the coast. I visited on a gorgeous, warm summer’s day and still felt a chill when the wind picked up, which was so confusing with the blazing sunshine!
Where to Eat in Castlepoint
Put simply, there aren’t any restaurants in Castlepoint itself. There’s the local store which has basic groceries, coffee and fish & chips, but aside from that you’ll be venturing to nearby towns to eat.
If you want to eat in Castlepoint, your best bet is either takeaway from the store or to bring a picnic/groceries with you.
The nearby Whakataki Hotel, just a short 5-minute drive from Castlepoint, is a local favourite known for its hearty pub meals and friendly atmosphere. If you’re heading back to Masterton or the wider Wairarapa region, you’ll find a range of cafes and restaurants offering fresh seafood, local produce, and excellent coffee.
If you’re visiting Castlepoint on a day trip and passing through Carterton, be sure to stop at the
very popular Clareville Bakery. It’s recommended by everyone, for good reason, but not open on a Sunday.
How to Get to Castlepoint
Castlepoint is quite remote, and so the only easy way to get to the town is by car. However, you don’t have to drive the full journey if you’re not comfortable with it.
From Wellington to Castlepoint by car you’re looking at about 3 hours, but this isn’t a drive everyone would want to make as it crosses the Remutaka Range which is a bendy section of road through the mountains. It’s a fast, winding road that is very fun to drive if you’re a confident, experienced driver, but may be a little unnerving for new or inexperienced drivers. The ‘ahh’ part of the road is about 15-20 minutes of the drive, and aside from that the route is very easy.
You absolutely should drive this road at a speed you’re comfortable with (within the limit), and to ensure you’re also being a safe and considerate driver you should stay left when the lane splits in two, or pull over if there’s a queue of cars behind you when safe to do so. Locals will be happy to drive this road much faster than visitors are comfortable with.
If you don’t want to drive the full route from Wellington, you can get the train from Wellington to Masterton which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, and then either get a taxi – about $200NZD – or hire a car in Masterton and drive the hour to Castlepoint. That part of the drive is quite quiet and has plenty of places to pull over to let locals pass who want to speed through.
Visiting Castlepoint As a Solo Traveller
If you’re happy to travel solo and enjoy your own company, I would absolutely recommend Castlepoint as a solo traveller. There’s not a huge amount to do so it’s a perfect day trip to recharge, enjoy the scenery and spend some quality time in your own company.
For those solo travellers seeking out company, Castlepoint probably isn’t the place for it. Aside from there not being a huge population to mingle with, most people visiting Castlepoint will be with friends or family so won’t be looking for other visitors to socialise with. Having said that, kiwis are in general very friendly and you’ll probably find someone to have a chat with as you visit the lighthouse or enjoy one of the hikes.
If you have the choice to visit with someone, this is definitely the kind of place that’d be more fun with someone, but if you’re only option is alone or not at all then I’d still recommend going solo!
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