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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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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. |
✓ Amazing views
✓ Proximity to beach
✓ Nearby clean toilets
✓ Easy lighthouse access
✓ Quiet spot
𐄂 Limited parking space
𐄂 Quite windy
This place is amazing!
What a view!
Amazing place.
Absolutely unreal views.
One of our fav spots so far.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 11 |
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35% |
9/10 | 13 |
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42% |
8/10 | 4 |
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13% |
7/10 | 2 |
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6% |
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
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 over 1 year 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 almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
What a view!
So worth the drive in. Clean efficient bathrooms and lovely walks.
Reviewed almost 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 about 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 2 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 about 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 almost 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
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
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 almost 4 years ago
4.5/5
Fabulous place to stay.
Watch out for the local nutter who doesn’t want freedom campers around!
Reviewed almost 4 years 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 over 1 year 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 almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
What a view!
So worth the drive in. Clean efficient bathrooms and lovely walks.
Reviewed almost 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 about 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 2 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 almost 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 about 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
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
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 almost 4 years ago
4.5/5
Fabulous place to stay.
Watch out for the local nutter who doesn’t want freedom campers around!
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
5.0/5
This place is amazing!
Beautiful scenary and ligthouse shine in the night ! Car park close to the new toilets!
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
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 about 4 years ago
5.0/5
Amazing place.
Unfortunately toillet is being reconstructed at the moment
Reviewed over 4 years ago
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 4 years ago
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 almost 5 years ago
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 5 years ago
4.5/5
We be been there and the location is really pretty in front of the light tower and two beaches which delivers silent and rough waves water ...
In our one night parking there, we had only a really strong wind which is hopefully only sometimes happening. For the view and tracks around parking area 10 points... During our day/night the toilet was not in best clean situation but able to use of course as camping experts..
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.0/5
Good car park for self contained camping, with easy access to beach, views and walks.
Lovely spot, well worth the drive out to the point.
Reviewed about 6 years ago
4.5/5
30Sept18.
What a great place to stay. A reasonably secluded car park with flush loos nearby. A bit of sand over some of the spaces, I expect they would be cleared before the summer season.
Close to the lighthouse and Castle Rock walks.
Ok, so a long way (67kms) along a one way road to get there but worth it. Will prob go again on our next trip
Reviewed about 6 years ago
5.0/5
Free, with 24h toilets, minutes to single cafe/store hybrid.
Near to lighthouse walk and directly located at entrance to other bush walks. Rankers has this site listed as self-contained only but the included infographic states these restrictions apply Nov-Apr. I could be wrong. Thanks DOC
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
Awesome place to stay!
We were lucky and had no wind and arrived at sunset - about 6 other campers already set up for the night. Lovely walks around, would love to come back and spend more time here. Local shop for snacks and coffee
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
Of course this is just a carpark, but what a nice one!
Windy place, but very close to the lighthouse. There are toilets. If you don't want to be a prisoner in your van try to park close to a car. People will leave after their walk and you won't have another van too close. Or just put your table and chairs. Lot of ppl here for days, with big campervans or caravans (fishers). I was really surprised, people were quiet, the night was nice.
A nice place to stay, for free. Thanks for letting people sleep here!
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
Great location, amazing view of the sea and lighthouse with direct access to the beach, nice windy walk to the lighthouse, also another walk along the coast.
Shop close by which also sells fish and chips. Motorhomes allowed 5pm to 9am with max of 4 days stay.
Great place for surfing, kayaking, boating
Spoke to a local guy and he was saying when he first lived here and started work he asked a guy if it was always this windy..... The reply was ' not always sometimes it even windier'
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
4.5/5
Stunning wild remote location!
Toilets here too. Fantastic walk up Castle hill and one to the lighthouse.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
4.0/5
Good spot with nice view over the water.
Toilets OK. A bit windy the night we were there. Seven vans there, an ok number. Any more would be a bit cramped.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.5/5
Great spot, but not very private.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014
3.5/5
Amazing spot - nice scenery.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014