Castlepoint (Wairarapa) – Hawke's Bay & Wairarapa

Site Overview

Castlepoint on the rugged Wairarapa coastline offers distinctive limestone reef diving with abundant crayfish, paua, and diverse nudibranch populations in a dramatic coastal setting. The iconic Castlepoint lighthouse and towering limestone formations create a spectacular backdrop for diving, with the underwater limestone reefs extending from the headland to form walls, ledges, and overhangs that support diverse marine communities. Crayfish are particularly abundant at Castlepoint, reaching impressive sizes in the rocky limestone habitat where they shelter in crevices and beneath ledges throughout the reef system. Paua, the endemic New Zealand abalone, are found on the limestone surfaces in healthy numbers, their iridescent shells adding colour to the rocky substrate. The nudibranch diversity at Castlepoint is impressive, with multiple species inhabiting the limestone surfaces and algal-covered rocks in densities that delight macro photographers. Blue cod, a South Island species rarely seen at North Island dive sites, are occasionally encountered at Castlepoint due to its position near the southern boundary of the species' range. The exposed coastal location means conditions are frequently affected by ocean swell, requiring careful timing and assessment before diving. The combination of distinctive limestone geology, abundant crayfish and paua, and the dramatic Wairarapa coastline makes Castlepoint a unique and rewarding diving destination.