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Breathtaking Castlepoint with Castle Rock in the distance |
A 2.5hr drive, passing through the Rimutaka Range (which rivals the Cabot Trail) where the road cuts along the mountain range, providing spectacular views of the valley below. As we drove through Masterton on our way to Castlepoint, we noticed a sign advertising the ‘Castlepoint Horse Races’ that just happened to be taking place today!
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Mom & Dad enjoying the view at Castlepoint Lighthouse |
We walked along the edge of the reef, watching the waves crash below sending a mist of sea spray into the air. Dad was fascinated by all the geological formations and provided several ‘geology lessons’ on the environment around us.
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Dad admiring the fossil filled limestone reef |
As the ferocious waves crashed below, you could imagine what this place would be like in a storm!
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Waves crashing along the reef at Castlepoint |
With the sun shining, we took our time exploring the gigantic limestone reef, taking in the views from every angle!
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Jagged coastline along Castlepoint |
Castle Rock in the distance was very tempting, but decided that we need to return for another weekend to explore this place ever further and attempt a summit of Castle Rock!
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The sheltered lagoon with Castle Rock in the distance |
As we made our way back towards the beach, the horse races continued, allowing us to catch another exciting race along the beach. A few horses even came right by us as they made their victory lap at the end of the track.
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A jockey and his horse finishing the Castlepoint Beach Races |
A quick walk along the sheltered sandflats, we watched the waves crash up over the reef, splashed into the protected lagoon. Jordan got a little too close with his camera when he tried to capture the water cascading down the reef, not realizing the next wave was on its way and narrowly missed being swept into the lagoon! Hard to believe this is a popular surf spot with so many jagged reefs along the beach!
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Jordan with his camera watching the waves break |
As we made our way back towards the carpark we took in a few last gimpses of the mile long beach and majestic lighthouse and enjoyed an icecream in the hot sun.
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Mom, Dad and I enjoying a beautiful day along the beach at Castlepoint |
On our way back to Wellington, we made a pit stop at the Paua Shell factory shop in Carterton where we picked up a number of Paua shell items and New Zealand souvenirs! A recommended stop for anyone looking for some beautiful gifts from New Zealand – the staff were wonderful and the prices were very reasonable!
We had an AMAZING day showing Mom and Dad a taste of New Zealand’s natural beauty 🙂