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One of the most spectacular sites along the Wairarapa coastline!
Castlepoint Scenic Reserve has a fossil-rich limestone reef and magnificent 162 metre high Castle Rock, long stretches of beach and a sheltered lagoon.
Lots of opportunity for a variety of waterbased recreational pursuits (including the reef which is a popular fishing spot), and the area has a rich natural history.
Frequently visited by several species of dolphin, as well as fur seals, and occasionally small whale species, the reserve is also home to numerous sea birds. White-fronted terns, red-billed gulls, and black shags inhabit the south end of the reef, and reef herons and black-backed gulls nest on the sheer cliffs of Castle Rock.
There are also several walks suitable for most age and fitness levels in and around the scenic reserve. All walks begin at the roadend carpark.
Turn right into Te Ore Ore Road on the northern outskirts of Masterton. This road becomes the Masterton Castlepoint Road and leads directly to Castlepoint.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC WairarapaCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? ![]() Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? ![]() Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must display the "Responsible Camper" sticker. |
Campsite Managing Organisation |
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Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? ![]() DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. ![]() |
Maximum Stay Duration |
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Maximum Stay DurationHow many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 4 nights You are permitted to stay at this campsite for up to four nights in a row. Four nights maximum in a single calendar month, between 5 pm and 9 am the following day, from 1 November to 30 April inclusive. |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? ![]() Dogs allowed The location allows dogs. There may be conditions that may be met eg. dogs must be on a leash. Dogs must be on a leash and are not permitted on the Lighthouse walks. |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Restricted Freedom Camping Site Department of Conservation Restricted Freedom Camping Sites are for Self Contained Vehicles only with restrictions over length of stay. Some of these locations may have a toilet, but this can't be expected. |
WiFi Internet |
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WiFi InternetWhat type of WiFi internet access is available? No WiFi There is no WiFi access available. |
Campfire Rules |
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Campfire RulesWhat are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted. |
✓ Breathtaking ocean views
✓ Iconic lighthouse nearby
✓ Peaceful and scenic location
✓ Clean toilet facilities
✓ Great walking opportunities
𐄂 Limited space for large vehicles
𐄂 Quite windy
Great spot!
Amazing place.
This place is amazing!
Great litttle spot.
Absolutely unreal views.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 12 |
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36% |
9/10 | 13 |
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39% |
8/10 | 4 |
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12% |
7/10 | 3 |
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9% |
6/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 1 |
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3% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
Castlepoint was an absolute highlight of our trip!
The free camping area offers breathtaking ocean views, with the iconic lighthouse creating a picture-perfect backdrop. Waking up to the sound of waves and watching the sunrise over the rugged coastline was unforgettable.
The parking area is spacious and well-suited for self-contained campervans. While facilities are minimal, the natural beauty more than makes up for it. A short walk takes you to the beach and lighthouse, where the views are spectacular. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic stop on their New Zealand adventure!
Would definitely stay here again. Thanks, Castlepoint!
Reviewed 30 days ago
3.5/5
Plenty of spots but not adapted to big vehicles/motorhomes (we saw some turning back even though the the parking was not full because they couldn't fit in).
Toilets and sinks, no fresh water. Great location for Castlepoint. There can be lots of wind and the parking is getting consumed by sand.
Reviewed 3 months ago
5.0/5
Great spot!
Right next to one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand! It is just a normal carpark so can be quite tight, and does fill up relatively quickly. Decent phone signal, bins, walks, and great views. Toilets are there if you need them too. Keep it clean, keep it free! @tasmantravels
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Incredible spot with a few from the lighthouse from where you park and the beach and sand dunes on the other side.
Very clean toilets a short walk away too! So glad we decided to detour from our trip down to Wellington to come here because it is a must see. You can walk easily to the lighthouse from here and the views and history are incredible! Would definitely recommend to others.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
What a view!
So worth the drive in. Clean efficient bathrooms and lovely walks.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
4.5/5
Great spot, right next to the beach and the start of the trek.
Castlepoint is gorgeous!
Limited spaces to park overnight.
Clean toilets really close by.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
4.5/5
Haven't wanted to leave!
Awesome spot, but quite windy. Carpark offers more sheltered experience as apposed to parking down on the beach. Toilets are a short walk away with recycled water. Says you have to be gone between 9am and 5pm but haven't had any issues from our 2 nights stay.
Carpark has little space for large campers, some taking 2 parks and some taking 5 while parking lengthways. Carpark is also getting overrun by sand which gets blown over the dunes. Love it in our van though!
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Stunning spot.
Was nice and quiet at the end of the road. Great views of f the Lighthouse and beach. We were self contained but very good toilet facilities also. Great walk to Deliverance Cove.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Arrived late at night after our long trip from Wellington.
Woke up in the morning was surprised by the magestic view. Night sky was an awesome sight too.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2021
4.0/5
Great spot for self contained vehicles to pull up.
Pretty good toilet facilities. Right on the beach and great views of the lighthouse. Make sure you go and look at the light house at night time!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
4.5/5
Amazing place to camp.
Dog friendly. Great toilets. Parks are normal size. Lucky we were the only big motorhome here. Amazing views.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
5.0/5
One of our fav spots so far.
Views are beautiful with the lighthouse and beach right next to us. Lots of new toilets which are nice and clean. The stars are amazing to look at as well the the lighthouse all lit up. Stayed 2 nights. First night there was only 2 other vans, second night there was about 8 others but there are still plenty of spots left. Recommend for sure!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2021
4.5/5
Fabulous place to stay.
Watch out for the local nutter who doesn’t want freedom campers around!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021
5.0/5
This place is amazing!
Beautiful scenary and ligthouse shine in the night ! Car park close to the new toilets!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021
4.0/5
Absolutely unreal views.
The Carpark is tucked out of the wind which is great. Downfall was the toilet is being rebuilt and the other one is at the other end of town. This meant an early morning bike ride to hit the loos! Other then that I would recommend.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2020
5.0/5
Amazing place.
Unfortunately toillet is being reconstructed at the moment
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2020
2.0/5
Not a great site.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
Castlepoint was an absolute highlight of our trip!
The free camping area offers breathtaking ocean views, with the iconic lighthouse creating a picture-perfect backdrop. Waking up to the sound of waves and watching the sunrise over the rugged coastline was unforgettable.
The parking area is spacious and well-suited for self-contained campervans. While facilities are minimal, the natural beauty more than makes up for it. A short walk takes you to the beach and lighthouse, where the views are spectacular. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic stop on their New Zealand adventure!
Would definitely stay here again. Thanks, Castlepoint!
Reviewed 30 days ago
3.5/5
Plenty of spots but not adapted to big vehicles/motorhomes (we saw some turning back even though the the parking was not full because they couldn't fit in).
Toilets and sinks, no fresh water. Great location for Castlepoint. There can be lots of wind and the parking is getting consumed by sand.
Reviewed 3 months ago
5.0/5
Great spot!
Right next to one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand! It is just a normal carpark so can be quite tight, and does fill up relatively quickly. Decent phone signal, bins, walks, and great views. Toilets are there if you need them too. Keep it clean, keep it free! @tasmantravels
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Incredible spot with a few from the lighthouse from where you park and the beach and sand dunes on the other side.
Very clean toilets a short walk away too! So glad we decided to detour from our trip down to Wellington to come here because it is a must see. You can walk easily to the lighthouse from here and the views and history are incredible! Would definitely recommend to others.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
What a view!
So worth the drive in. Clean efficient bathrooms and lovely walks.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
4.5/5
Great spot, right next to the beach and the start of the trek.
Castlepoint is gorgeous!
Limited spaces to park overnight.
Clean toilets really close by.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
4.5/5
Haven't wanted to leave!
Awesome spot, but quite windy. Carpark offers more sheltered experience as apposed to parking down on the beach. Toilets are a short walk away with recycled water. Says you have to be gone between 9am and 5pm but haven't had any issues from our 2 nights stay.
Carpark has little space for large campers, some taking 2 parks and some taking 5 while parking lengthways. Carpark is also getting overrun by sand which gets blown over the dunes. Love it in our van though!
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Arrived late at night after our long trip from Wellington.
Woke up in the morning was surprised by the magestic view. Night sky was an awesome sight too.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2021
5.0/5
Stunning spot.
Was nice and quiet at the end of the road. Great views of f the Lighthouse and beach. We were self contained but very good toilet facilities also. Great walk to Deliverance Cove.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.0/5
Great spot for self contained vehicles to pull up.
Pretty good toilet facilities. Right on the beach and great views of the lighthouse. Make sure you go and look at the light house at night time!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
4.5/5
Amazing place to camp.
Dog friendly. Great toilets. Parks are normal size. Lucky we were the only big motorhome here. Amazing views.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
5.0/5
One of our fav spots so far.
Views are beautiful with the lighthouse and beach right next to us. Lots of new toilets which are nice and clean. The stars are amazing to look at as well the the lighthouse all lit up. Stayed 2 nights. First night there was only 2 other vans, second night there was about 8 others but there are still plenty of spots left. Recommend for sure!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2021
4.5/5
Fabulous place to stay.
Watch out for the local nutter who doesn’t want freedom campers around!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021
5.0/5
This place is amazing!
Beautiful scenary and ligthouse shine in the night ! Car park close to the new toilets!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021
4.0/5
Absolutely unreal views.
The Carpark is tucked out of the wind which is great. Downfall was the toilet is being rebuilt and the other one is at the other end of town. This meant an early morning bike ride to hit the loos! Other then that I would recommend.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2020
5.0/5
Amazing place.
Unfortunately toillet is being reconstructed at the moment
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2020
4.5/5
Very nice place.
Track along the hillside and back along the lagoon starts right there.
When we arrived around 2 pm, most of the parking bays were filled with passengers cars of beach visitors who, however, left shortly after. Even in the evening there were still free parking bays although it was Saturday and fine weather.
Our campervan with a length of 7.5m fit in but longer ones will have difficulties.
Place is very windy, campervan was shaking all evening although the wind did not feel very strong at the beach.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2020
5.0/5
Awesome place.
Nice little car park nestled among the dunes and sheltered by tall trees behind. It’s right above the amazing beach. Self contained can camp anywhere - at least 20 spaces. All slope slightly but levelling blocks easily cope.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2020
4.5/5
This is a must do for the east coast.
A little hidden gem. Views of the lighthouse and incredible stars. Beach either side, and a cruisy little trek towards the cliff and back. Toilets available all night. Basic, and remember your torch. Amazing slights of the lighthouse at night, definitely worth a visit.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2019