Castlepoint is a spectacular coastal destination located in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand. With its iconic lighthouse, golden sandy beach and breathtaking scenery, Castlepoint is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. In this guide, we will provide you with detailed information about.
What to do in Castlepoint
Castlepoint offers a wide range of exciting activities to suit all tastes. Hiking in Castlepoint Scenic Reserve is a free and popular activity among visitors. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the reserve and get panoramic views of the coastline. If you prefer water-based activities, boat tours to observe marine life are an exciting option.
| Activity | Recommended group size | Approximate price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking at Castlepoint Scenic Reserve | 1-10 | Free | Castlepoint Scenic Reserve |
| Boat ride to observe marine life | 1-10 | $60 – $120 | Castlepoint |
| Fishing at Castlepoint Beach | 1-10 | $20 – $40 (equipment rental) | Castlepoint Beach |
| Visit Castlepoint Lighthouse | 1-10 | Free | Castlepoint Lighthouse |
| Explore Mataikona Rocks Reserve | 1-10 | Free | Mataikona Rocks |
Hotels and apartments near Castlepoint
There are a variety of accommodations near Castlepoint to suit all budgets and preferences. The Castlepoint Hotel & Guesthouse is a comfortable and affordable option with free Wi-Fi, free parking and an on-site restaurant. On the other hand, the Whakataki Hotel offers a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and free parking, plus a bar for relaxing in the evening.
| Hotel Name | Stars | Approximate Price | Location | Main Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castlepoint Hotel & Guesthouse | 3 | $80 – $150 | Castlepoint | Free Wi-Fi, free parking, restaurant |
| Whakataki Hotel | 3 | $70 – $120 | Whakataki | Free Wi-Fi, free parking, bar |
| Riversdale Beach Apartments | 3 | $80 – $150 | Riversdale Beach | Free Wi-Fi, free parking, full kitchen |
| Wairarapa Coastal Escape | 4 | $180 – $250 | Castlepoint | Free Wi-Fi, free parking, terrace with sea view |
| Beachside Haven | 3 | $100 – $200 | Riversdale Beach | Free Wi-Fi, free parking, direct access to the beach |
Where to eat in Castlepoint?
The Castlepoint area has a variety of restaurants offering delicious dining options. Castlepoint Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant is known for its local cuisine, including fish and chips, burgers and salads. Whakataki Hotel Bar & Restaurant offers an authentic New Zealand dining experience with seafood, meats and pizzas.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Approximate Price | Location | Best Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castlepoint Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant | Local cuisine | $15 – $35 | Castlepoint | Fish and chips, burgers, salads |
| Whakataki Hotel Bar & Restaurant | New Zealand cuisine | $20 – $40 | Whakataki | Seafood, meats, pizza |
| Blue Cod Takeaways | Fast food and fish | $10 – $20 | Castlepoint | Fish and chips, burgers, sandwiches |
| Flat Point Beach Café | Cafeteria and light meals | $10 – $25 | Flat Point Beach | Coffee, sandwiches, salads |
| The Lazy Fisherman | Seafood | $25 – $45 | Riversdale Beach | Fresh fish, lobster, clams |
The weather in Castlepoint
Castlepoint has a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters. Average summer temperatures (December to February) range from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures (June to August) range from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius. Humidity in Castlepoint is moderate and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
The best time to visit Castlepoint is during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and conditions are ideal for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities.
Where is Castlepoint and how to get there?
Castlepoint is located in the Wairarapa region on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The nearest town is Masterton, about 105 kilometers away. To get to Castlepoint, you can fly into Wellington Airport and either rent a car or take a bus to Masterton. From Masterton, you can drive to Castlepoint, which takes approximately 2 hours.
Flight prices vary depending on the season and departure location. From Wellington Airport, the drive to Castlepoint takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. You can also take a bus from Wellington to Masterton, which takes approximately 2 hours and costs between $20 and $40.
