Castlepoint

This article is about the settlement in New Zealand. For other uses, see Castle Point (disambiguation).

Castlepoint
Rangiwhakaoma
Town
Deliverance Cove towards Castlepoint and lighthouse, residential houses from the Castlepoint village visible on the left
Deliverance Cove towards Castlepoint and lighthouse
Map
Coordinates: 40°53′55″S 176°13′14″E / 40.89861°S 176.22056°E / -40.89861; 176.22056
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWellington Region
Territorial authorityMasterton District
Ward
  • Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward
  • Masterton/Whakaoriori Māori Ward
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityMasterton District Council
 • Regional councilGreater Wellington Regional Council
 • Mayor of MastertonGary Caffell
 • Wairarapa MPMike Butterick
 • Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MPCushla Tangaere-Manuel
Area
[1]
 • Total0.81 km2 (0.31 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2023)[2]
 • Total60
 • Density74/km2 (190/sq mi)

Castlepoint is a small beachside settlement on the Wairarapa coast of the Wellington Region of New Zealand.[3] It is home to a lighthouse which stands near the top of the northern end of a reef. The reef is about one kilometre long. At the southern end of the reef, there is an island known locally as "seagull island", due to its large population of seagulls. The southern side of Castle Rock is known as Christmas Bay. Castlepoint is approximately one hour's drive from Masterton.

Castlepoint was so named in 1770 by Captain Cook who was struck by the similarities of Castle Rock to the battlements of a castle.[4] The Maori name for the area is Rangiwhakaoma, which translates as 'where the sky runs'. Smaller cetaceans such as dolphins frequent around Castlepoint while larger whales such as southern right whales and humpback whales may be visible from the shores during their migration seasons. A book chronicling the history of Castlepoint, including Castlepoint Station, Castle Point Lighthouse and the local fishing industry was published in October 2010 by Hedleys Books of Masterton.[5]

Castle Rock is a landmark in Castlepoint and is 162m high.[4] It includes a walk through woods and over bridges and is approximately 45 minutes long.

Mataikona Sand Dunes are an area of large sand dunes approximately 30 minutes north of Castlepoint towards the Matakona River mouth.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Area was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Subnational population estimates (RC, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (regional councils); "Subnational population estimates (TA, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (territorial authorities); "Subnational population estimates (urban rural), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (urban areas)
  3. ^ "Castlepoint Travel Guide". www.jasons.co.nz. Jasons Travel Media. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Castlepoint Scenic Reserve". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  5. ^ "Castlepoint, Coastal Station and Settlement". Hedleys Books. Retrieved 18 November 2012.