Castlepoint - Rangiwhakaoma

Castlepoint - named by Captain Cook in 1770 is a popular holiday place with spectacular views.

Of course, Cook was not first here and indeed he did not set foot on land. Ngati Kahungungu, who had a kainga named Rangiwhakaoma, also have a story about the bay and it's headland being approached from the sea, by Kupe. The famed navigator is said to have landed here directly, concluding a voyage from Hawaiki by waka. Missionaries also came, by sea, in 1843, they were Williams and Colenso, who made their mark in several other places too.

A long jetty installed and Castlepoint became the main port for Wairarapa, and it was in continuous use until 1920s, when road links to better seaports were improved.

For visitors, there is much to do besides gaze at the spectacular landform. A consistent beach break keeps the surfers busyWalk to the lighthouse or view the panorama from Castle Rock. See the full walk descriptions on a signboard at the carpark.

There is a lot of birdlife here, and sea life. "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." (DOC)

Once a year, in March, depending on the state of the tide, Castlepoint beach is the venue for a long-established horse racing meeting.

Castlepoint is a wonderful place to find fossils, and there are more at the Kaiwhata River Mouth near Riversdale.

EBIKING THE DREAM CASTLEPOINT

BOOK THE WHAREAMA COASTAL WALK

Image Credits: NZPlaces and Night and Light Photography Glen Butler and Louis Andrew Tungol