We arrived at Castlepoint Campground on the Queens Birthday Monday as everyone was returning home. We now have the campground to ourselves.
We took a hike up Castlepoint to the Lighthouse and beyond to the highest peak. It was a little ‘hairy’ as the wind was increasing and one is very exposed there.
Fossils 2 Million years old have been found on the peninsula and evidence of shells at the highest peak are visible.
On our 3rd day we found a fossil on a broken piece of rock that had recently fallen-exciting.
The fossilised shell imbedded into the rock
View of the Lighthouse and peak we climbed.
These Castlepoint Crayfish fishermen are Hardy
We met one of the Commercial fisherman in his Hamilton Jet powered fishing boat. He had just returned from laying Crayfish pots.
The unique way these fisherman’s launch their boats is pretty impressive.
Nice part of the world to be parked right on the beach edge and enjoy the sound of the surf.
Castlepoint Surf-for all those surfers out there
With a slight wind change we were treated to some fantastic surf conditions. Only Blake from Dunedin was surfing when we arrived. He will need shoulder surgery in the next two weeks so was getting in a Surf now as he prepares for a long recuperation after surgery. No-one else out. Blake got to enjoy some makeable hollow waves.
On day three we took a walk that allowed us to view the surf from above and were treated to one guy on a long board riding the shoulder. Fellow travellers had mentioned there was an adult seal on the beach but he was gone when we arrived.
Extreme wind last few days
We decided to stay put as the forecast was for high winds. Last night the 11th of June we were rocking around in our Motorhome and at midnight we decided to move to point ourselves into the NW gale force winds. Just did that and the heavy rain arrived. Needless to say we had a rough night.
I talked to the campground Managers and they too were amazed at the conditions. They can record wind strengths and gusts by the hour. They recorded one gust last night at 155klm. You read right-155klm. Tonight we angled ourselves slightly more North as the winds will change in the night and gust to 116klkm. However, despite the conditions, we have loved our stay here.
6 Comments
Peter Bonham
Castlepoint Sunset
Patsy
Looks an interesting place. Was it cold?
Peter Bonham
Not cold just incredibly strong winds-155klkm gust recorded here last night. Little sleep last night.
James Bonham
Spectacular photos Pete, camping right on the beach must be amazing. What an exiting adventure for Fletcher.
anja kohler
I love to see all this amazing pictures from your NZ tour. Still love NZ ,hopefully one day we can come back🥰🙏…love to see you happy…hugs a d love from Switzerland family❤❤
Joel
Beautiful images Pater, I love being in rough weather but that sounded a bit too much. Glad you both are safe.