Castle Point Lighthouse in Castlepoint — Live Webcam
The Rocky Sentinel of Wairarapa
Castle Point Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque and historically significant landmarks on the New Zealand coast. This live webcam lets you see the white conical tower against the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean without leaving your home. Perched on a rocky headland in the Wairarapa region, this lighthouse is a true symbol of the rugged coastline. You can watch it for hours: the scenery here changes with the tides, the swells, and the unpredictable weather of the southern latitudes. Sand dunes, green hills, and the endless sea create a unique landscape that draws travelers from all over the world.
From Shipwrecks to Light: The Lighthouse's History
Castle Point Lighthouse was first lit on August 1, 1913. Its construction became a necessity due to the numerous shipwrecks along these shores. Dangerous reefs and rocks had been claiming vessels for decades. Among the most famous tragedies are the wreck of the White Swan carrying politicians in 1862 and the Sovereign in 1894. Interestingly, it was built from cast iron at a factory in Wellington, then delivered by boat to the beach and hauled up to the reef using two horses. Until automation in 1988, it remained one of the last manually operated lighthouses in New Zealand, where keepers maintained their demanding watch.
Architectural Features and Records
Castle Point Lighthouse holds the title of the tallest lighthouse on New Zealand's North Island — its focal height is 52 meters above sea level. It is also one of only two lighthouses in the country with a rotating beam. Inside sits a unique 2nd order catadioptric lens that still guides mariners today. The white conical tower with its red base looks stunning against the blue sky and green hills, creating that iconic image of the New Zealand coast.
Māori Legends and the Name of the Headland
The English name "Castle Point" was given by British navigator James Cook in 1770, as the rock formation resembled a fortress. However, the Māori name for the headland — Rangiwhakaoma — is far more poetic. It translates to "where the sky runs". According to Māori legend, the Polynesian navigator Kupe visited Castle Point while searching for a giant octopus that lived in a cave. The battle with this creature took place right at the Rangiwhakaoma headland. These stories give the place a special mystical aura that can be felt even through a monitor screen.
Natural Attractions and Wildlife
The natural attractions of the headland are breathtaking. Here you'll find Castle Rock rising 162 m high, the Mataikona sand dunes, Castle Point lagoon, a reef stretching about 1 km, and Deliverance Cove. In the waters around the headland you can spot fur seals, dolphins, and whales. The coastal waters are teeming with life, and the cliffs serve as home to numerous seabirds. This is the perfect place for anyone who wants to see New Zealand's wildlife in all its glory.
What You Can See on the Webcam
The webcam is mounted at a high vantage point, allowing you to take in the entire coastal landscape. At the center of the frame is the white conical Castle Point Lighthouse with its red base. Around it are sand dunes, grassy hills, and a wooden fence with walking paths. To the right, a view opens up of the sandy beach stretching toward the rocky cliffs and sea stacks in the water. In the background — the Pacific Ocean's surface with rolling waves, the horizon line, and distant shores. In the bottom right corner of the screen, weather data is displayed: air temperature, precipitation, wind speed and maximum wind speed, wind direction, as well as the date and time. This live webcam gives you the chance to feel the rhythm of life on a distant New Zealand coast, watch a storm roll in, or enjoy a sunny day in Castlepoint.
