a trip to the coast

Looking for a Wairarapa coastal getaway or weekend itinerary? Explore the Wairarapa Coast with these two-night itineraries for Cape Palliser and Castlepoint, featuring beaches, coastal walks, lighthouses, wildlife, swimming, surfing, seafood and spectacular scenery. Book your coastal accommodation here.

Cape Palliser Coastal Adventure: a two-night Wairarapa itinerary

Wild coastline, fur seals, fresh seafood, spectacular walks and one of New Zealand’s most distinctive lighthouses – Cape Palliser is made for an epic Wairarapa adventure. Just an hour from Martinborough, the journey takes you along the southern Wairarapa coast to Ngawi and Cape Palliser. Stay on the Wairarapa Coast and give yourself two nights to experience it properly.

Day 1: Morning – Take the coastal road

Make your way towards Cape Palliser, stopping at The Land Girl for coffee or lunch on the way.
Take your time on the coastal drive. The road hugs the Cook Strait coastline, with expansive sea views and, on a clear day, views across to the South Island and Kaikoura Ranges.

Day 1: Afternoon – Cape Palliser Lighthouse & seals

Head to Cape Palliser Lighthouse and tackle the 253 steps to the top. The lighthouse has stood above Cook Strait since 1897 and the climb rewards you with spectacular views along the coast and across to the South Island.
Then visit the Cape Palliser fur seal colony, one of New Zealand’s largest. From November to January you may also see seal pups. Keep at least 20 metres away from the seals and keep your dogs on a lead.

Day 1: Evening – Seafood by the sea

Stay on the Wairarapa Coast and make the most of being beside the ocean.
Try Cape Palliser Bar & Grill for seafood and coastal views, or check out The Captain’s Table Food Truck for fresh seafood straight from the boat.
If the weather plays along, don't miss the sunset. Cape Palliser is a spectacular place to watch the day end.

Scenic view of a rocky landscape with greenery and a body of water in the distance.

Day 2: Morning - Walk the Putangirua Pinnacles

After breakfast, head to the Putangirua Pinnacles.
These extraordinary rock formations were made famous by The Lord of the Rings. Allow around an hour to walk from the car park to the Pinnacles viewing platform, and take sturdy shoes, water and sun protection.

Day 2: Lunch – One last coastal stop

Stop for fish’n’chips at the Lake Ferry Hotel and explore the before heading home.
Not ready to leave the coast? Stay another night, explore another part of Wairarapa with these trip ideas, or click here to find more places to stay and things to do.

Castlepoint Coastal Escape: a two-night Wairarapa itinerary

Beach walks, swimming, surfing, rock pools and a spectacular lighthouse – Castlepoint has everything you need for a classic Wairarapa beach getaway. Just 60 minutes from Masterton, Castlepoint combines a sheltered lagoon and sandy beach with the wilder landscapes of the Wairarapa east coast. Stay for two nights and give yourself time to discover more of the coastline.

Day 1: Morning – Head for the coast

Make your way towards Castlepoint, stopping at Rewanui Forest Park on the way.
Stretch your legs on one of the loop walks through the 334-hectare farm park, with trails taking you through native bush, farmland and pine forest.

Day 1: Afternoon – Explore Castlepoint

Head down to the beach and walk to Castlepoint Lighthouse, first lit in 1913 and one of the last two remaining beam lighthouses in New Zealand.
Then choose your adventure. Swim in the sheltered lagoon, hit the surf at the main beach or The Gap, or tackle the Deliverance Cove Track and climb Castle Rock for spectacular views along the coast.

Family eating fish and chips in front of store along coast

Day 1: Evening – Fish & chips by the beach

Pick up fish and chips from the beachfront store and find a spot by the sea.
Then settle into your accommodation on the Wairarapa Coast and enjoy an evening at the beach.

Day 2: Morning – Rock pools at Mataikona

Head 15 minutes along the coastline to Mataikona and spend the morning exploring its rock pools and looking for sea creatures.
Or pack your golf clubs and play a round at the Castlepoint Golf Course, a nine-hole course just a short drive from the beach.

Day 2: Lunch – One last Castlepoint stop

Head back to Castlepoint for lunch and one last walk or swim before beginning the journey home.
Not ready to leave the coast? Stay another night, explore another part of Wairarapa with these trip ideas, or click here to find more places to stay and things to do.

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