Beaches and waterfalls - exploring the east coast of the Wairarapa

Join me for a super chill trip through the northern Wairarapa! Kicking off at Castle Point I head into the hills, visit an epic waterfall before punching back out to the coast again to wrap things up.

Trip area

In this video

Castle Point Beach

A short run along the beach at Castle Point - doesn't go far and can be busy, but gets you closer to the walk up Castle Rock.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
1 km

Pack Spur Road Loop

A simple farm track that winds its way through the hills above the Tinui Valley. Good alternative route into the Castle Point area. The route here takes you from the Masterton/Castle Point road up through the Tinui Valley and onto Pack Spur Road - it ranges from sealed to gravel to the farm track itself. Any vehicle should be able to do this route no worries.

The track crosses a working farm so be sure to stay on the track at all times and leave your dog in the car or at home.

Grade
Gravel
Time
2 hours
Distance
39 km

Tinui to Alfredton

A part sealed/gravel road that links Tinui to Alfredton - nice alternative to the main road from Masterton to Tinui if you're aiming on heading north.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
37 km

Pongaroa Sports Field

Sometimes you just need a free place to sleep - this is that. It's nothing flash or remote, but there's flat ground and a pub down the road.

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Waihi Falls

An alternative to the sealed road up to Waihi Falls - wind your way up from Route 52 (or back down to it) through farmland on a well graded gravel road.

The falls themselves are pretty stunning - don't let the sign saying it's a 10 minute walk put you off, it takes maybe 2 minutes to get down there.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
10 km

Cape Turnagain

A stunning beach run up to Cape Turnagain where Captain Cook famously turned back and sailed the opposite way around the island due to the sea conditions.

This is a low tide trip - make sure to check them before you go or you could be in for a long wait as the sea washes up against the dunes.

Grade
Easy
Time
1 hours
Distance
5 km