Castlepoint

Located 60Km east of Masterton, Castlepoint is a small settlement near a magnificent stretch of coastline.

The lighthouse sits astride a small promontory. It was built as a beacon for ships arriving from South America, warning them to turn left for Wellington. 

There is an easy path up to it and the lookout beyond, with good views north along the Wairarapa coast towards the Hawkes Bay

and south towards Cook Strait.

The coastline is rugged.

South of the lighthouse is a lagoon and the impressive 160 metre high Castle Rock. Named, like so many things in New Zealand by James Cook, from it’s likeness (from the sea) to the ramparts of European fortifications.

The swell was crashing over the barrier to the lagoon. People often go fishing from the top and there have been several swept off by unexpectedly large waves. 

This is the sea stack at the entrance to the lagoon. 

No people today, but here is a red billed gull.