By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -40.90461, 176.21858. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Castlepoint Scenic Reserve
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
The track is open from the carpark to the base of Castle Rock.
This DOC directory entry covers Deliverance Cove Track in Wellington, within Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min return
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Deliverance Cove Track closed; First published on 19 February 2026. Last reviewed on 15 September 2026.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track is open from the carpark to the base of Castle Rock but the track cannot be completed as a loop.
The track is closed from the south end of the beach to the base of Castle Rock due to a large slip. There is risk of more movement on this small section. There are signs in place.
Getting there
Castlepoint is located on Wairarapa's east coast about 1 hour's drive from Masterton. Turn right into Te Ore Ore Road on the northern outskirts of Masterton. This road becomes the Masterton Castlepoint Road and leads directly to Castlepoint Scenic Reserve.
Know before you go
The reef by the lagoon should be avoided. It is extremely dangerous and sea conditions are unpredictable. Beware of tidal and rogue waves. Fatalities have occurred here.
New Zealand Fur Seals are frequently encountered, especially where the track meets the beach. Keep an eye out for them, and do not disturb or approach them.
At the junction there is a steep trail that takes you to the top of Castle Rock, this is not part of the Deliverance Cove Track and is not recommended for safety reasons.
History and culture
Castlepoint was named in 1770 by Captain Cook who was struck by the similarities of Castle Rock to the battlements of a castle.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
