Castle Point Lighthouse

Castle Point Lighthouse is a white tower with a red top standing on the rocky coastline of the North Island's eastern shore. The structure operates with its original rotating Fresnel lens, producing three flashes every 30 seconds to guide vessels at sea.

The lighthouse began operations in 1913 to prevent shipwrecks along the Wairarapa coast. It was originally powered by an oil lamp that was later replaced with electricity for continuous operation.

Māori tribes established settlements in this area long ago, drawn by its strategic position and abundant natural resources. The site remains an important landmark in the cultural geography of the Wairarapa region.

The site is accessible via a sealed path leading to the base, allowing visitors to view it closely. Bring weatherproof clothing as the coastal location experiences strong winds throughout the year.

Maritime New Zealand remotely monitors and operates this structure from Wellington, allowing it to function without permanent staff on site. This remote operation system has kept the lighthouse running efficiently for modern shipping navigation.

Operator: Maritime New Zealand

GPS coordinates: -40.90045,176.23146

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02