Castlepoint Lighthouse — Attraction in Masterton

Castlepoint is a popular holiday destination with an iconic, functioning lighthouse located near a small beachside village on Wairarapa's east coast. It is about an hours' drive from Masterton on a lonely, sealed road surrounded by farms only.

This lighthouse commenced its operations in 1913. Main lights were lit by furnace oil, with a spectrum range of 35 kilometers. They were replaced by electric lamps powered by the mains grid in 1961. The last light housekeeper vacated the place in 1988, which year the lighthouse was fully automated.

Castlepoint seascape and the landscape are quite interesting with a mix of coloured gravel, limestone and sandy formation. Some rock shaping look like the remains of ancient castle buildings, which prompted Captain Cook to name this place after. The reef at the bottom of the Lighthouse Walk is extremely dangerous part of this seascape, because quick tidal and rogue waves can erupt without any warning.

Nearby beach is a popular holiday spot with camping, 4WD activities, motorhome park and toilet facilities. There is a permanent general store and also a couple of cafes and eating places operative in summer holiday times. Toilets are good but a challenge to use during the crowded peak holiday season for obvious reasons, so be prepared!

From the lighthouse lookout deck, you can get excellent views of the village, bay, small harbour, lagoon and castle rock. Since there is no harbour or wharf, all big boats need to be towed to the shore using big tractor like taller machines.

New Zealand Fur Seals are frequently encountered at Castlepoint. Also, on a good day you can see pods of dolphin swim in the sea along the eastern side of...

Visiting Castlepoint Lighthouse was truly an unforgettable experience—one of those rare moments where you’re left speechless by the sheer beauty of nature. Located along the dramatic Wairarapa coastline, this lighthouse isn’t just a structure—it’s a gateway to one of the most breathtaking views New Zealand has to offer.

The walk up to the lighthouse is accessible and enjoyable, with stunning scenery every step of the way. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of the rugged coastline, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs. The sound of the waves crashing below, the salty breeze, and the vast horizon make it feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.

What Mother Nature has sculpted here is absolutely magical—raw, untouched, and incredibly peaceful. The contrast of the powerful ocean against the calmness of the surrounding hills creates a balance that is both humbling and inspiring.

Sunrise and sunset here are nothing short of spectacular. The changing light paints the landscape in hues of gold, pink, and deep blue—it’s a moment that makes you pause and just take it all in.

If you’re anywhere near the region, Castlepoint is a must-go destination. Whether you’re an adventurer, a photographer, or someone just looking to reconnect with nature, this place will leave a lasting mark...

We visited Castle point during summer. During this time the sunrise was at 6.10am. The red sun rays filled the sky with radiant colour and it was so beautiful. You will find parking beside the Church by the Sea and walk across the sand bay and start climbing the stairs to the lighthouse. The climb is ok. Not too steep. Sadly, wheelchair accessible facilities are not possible. You can also continue to walk to the bottom of the Lighthouse and walk to the surround rock to see the lighthouse and the sunrise. The locals told us that this section of the land came up because of an earthquake. We tried walking along the shore during low tide but were greeted by three fat seals. So, we did not go any further. The locals also told us that there is a cave at the bottom of the lighthouse. We desperately wanted to go there, but because of the seals, we did not proceed further. The lighthouse at night changes colour. Well different colours are turned on to reflect on the lighthouse. We went there three times in a week to enjoy Castle point. You do not have to pay any money. There are public toilets available but near...