WELLINGTON: NORTH WAIRARAPA

Castlepoint Reserve is a stunningly beautiful location where self contained motor caravanners can freedom camp directly overlooking the beach.

This is one of our favourite locations in New Zealand, with nice walks, fishing off the sand bar, as well as the great view.

The parking are is not large, and is also used by the local residents as well as other visitors, so it's best to avoid the weekends and summer holiday season.

There is a nice concrete pathway up to the lighthouse platform where you can take in the magnificent views across the harbour and coastline.

There is good fishing to be had, and even good mobile coverage. 

There is vehicle access to the beach, which is used by visitors as well as the local commercial fishing boats. From the carpark, there is always something interesting going on.

However, be warned that Castlepoint is on a very exposed location on the Wairarapa coast. We visited on a beautiful calm, sunny autumn afternoon. But it can just as easily change to a howling gale with driving rain.

It would be a good idea to check the weather forecast before you arrive. It doesn't have a lighthouse just for decoration!