Castlepoint

Highlights: Beaches, coastal walks, views, historic lighthouse, seals

Length: 1 - 3 hrs (plenty of additional tracks and beach walks if you'd like to walk for longer)

Where: 2+ hrs from Wellington

Castlepoint is one of the Wairarapa's worst kept secrets - it's a beautiful spot with a rugged coastline, sheltered beaches, a lighthouse and spectacular walks.

Getting there: Castlepoint is located on the eastern cape of the Wairarapa, about 2 hours from Wellington CBD. From the city, take SH2 over the Rimutakas and continue on SH2 through Featherston, Greytown and Carterton. Once you reach Masterton, turn right into Te Ore Ore Road (the first right after the Waipoua River bridge). Te Ore Ore Road turns into Masterton Castlepoint Road, which goes all the way to Castlepoint.

This is at least a day trip so ensure you are well prepared, general supplies (and takeaways) can be purchased from the Castlepoint store, but your last stop for real groceries is Masterton.

The main (and most photographed) walk at Castlepoint is the Deliverance Cove track. From the main carpark at Castlepoint beach you can either walk along the beach, or follow the track through the pine trees above the beach. The two alternative routes meet at the base of Castle Rock, at which point there are multiple goat tracks winding up the hill to a number of lookout points. Be careful on a windy day as there are no barriers at the top of the rock and it can get pretty gusty! The return walk shouldn't take you longer than an hour and a half (unless you're like us and spend another half an hour taking photos of the amazing views).

The other main Castlepoint walk is from the carpark to the lighthouse. The path is clearly marked and runs up and around the lighthouse, returning along the fossil-filled cliffs. Don't forget to keep an eye out for seals frolicking around the rocks!