Water Activities

Castlepoint really shows off its split personality when it comes to the waves: one side lagoon, one side surf. The outer, ocean-facing beach gets the full energy of the Pacific, serving up fun, consistent waves with the lighthouse as your backdrop. Because the coastline is so rugged, it’s important to treat the reef and cliffs with respect.

If you’re a newbie, get in touch with Castlepoint Surf Lessons for a fun introduction to this great pasttime.

Swimming at Castlepoint can be as lively or as mellow as you like. Inside the reef, the lagoon is sheltered from the full swell, so the water is generally calmer and well-suited to families. Head a bit further towards the reef and you’ll find where the lagoon meets the waves, with gentle surf rolling in. As always on a New Zealand beach, there are no guarantees. Conditions change with tide and weather, and there are no lifeguards on duty, so please supervise children closely and swim to the conditions.

Kayaking is one of the nicest ways to soak up Castlepoint’s scenery. The limestone ridge that forms the reef shelters a long, tidal lagoon, creating a smooth, protected stretch of water that’s tailor-made for a leisurely paddle. Launch straight off the sandy beach and glide past the village towards Castle Rock, with the lighthouse watching over you from its rocky perch.

Castlepoint is a popular spot for boaties and fishing enthusiasts. On a typical day, you’ll see tractors launching boats from the sand, then heading out past the reef to explore the open coast. If you have your own boat, you can park it safely in our boat storage facility where you can wash the boat and clean your fish.