Castlepoint in the Wairarapa

 

Castlepoint is a small beachside settlement in the Wairarapa.  It is about a 90 minute drive north of Wellington (our capital).

 

Castlepoint was named by Captain Cook who thought Castle Rock looked like a castle.

 

There is a reef, a lagoon, sand dunes as well as the Rock – and a lighthouse.  The lighthouse is one of the last 2 remaining beam lighthouses in New Zealand.  The last lighthouse keeper there was in 1988.

 

It is the only location in the world of a shrubby Daisy – the Castlepoint daisy.

 

You may see dolphins off shore and you will see lots of sea birds – terns, gulls and shags.

 

There is a range of accommodation from camp sites, cabins and a motel. 

 

Once a year in March there are horse races held right on the beach.  They have been held since 1872.