Castlepoint Scenic Reserve and Riversdale Beach

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve and Riversdale Beach are popular attractions in the Wairarapa region. From Masterton it's an hours drive through beautiful hill country to Castlepoint Scenic Reserve and Riversdale Beach.

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve

Castlepoint is a popular beach resort with a scenic reserve and awesome coastal panoramas. It has a shop, motor camp and self contained accommodation.

Castlepoint was named by Captain Cook in 1770. Captain Cook was struck by the similarities of Castle Rock to the battlements of a castle.

Castlepoint is one of the most spectacular sites along the Wairarapa coastline. Castle Rock rises some 162 metre high. Below, long stretches of beach and a sheltered lagoon provide opportunity for a variety of waterbased recreational pursuits. The area is rich in natural history.

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve offers a variety of wildlife including white-fronted terns, red-billed gulls, black shags, reef herons and black-backed gulls. Several species of dolphin, fur seals, and occasionally small whale species frequent the waters around Castlepoint Scenic Reserve.

For spectacular views of the coast and South Island, climb 250 steps to the top of the Cape Palliser Lighthouse.

Please see our Castlepoint Travel Directory for more information.

Castlepoint Activities

Castlepoint is a popular recreational reserve. Activities include:

• Walking
• Picknicking
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Bird watching

Castlepoint Conservation

Castlepoint is managed by the Department of Conservation. Some things to remember include:

• Camping is not permitted on the reserve
• Take your rubbish away with you
• Dogs are permitted on leash only
• Motor cycles and other vehicles are not permitted on the sand dunes
• Removal of fossils is not permitted
• Do not disturb nesting birds

Riversdale Beach

Riversdale Beach is located about 54 kilometres east of Masterton. The road to Riversdale Beach is one of the Wairarapa's most picturesque country scenic drives.

Riversdale Beach is a great place for swimming and surfing. There is a superb nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, motor camp, rental accommodation and shop.

» Wairarapa Regional Information

» Wairarapa Travel Directory