Castlepoint, with its much-photographed lighthouse is the original "port" and settlement on the coast. The combination of spectacular wave platforms, rocky prominence and sweeping beach provides a diverse set of bird habitats here.

This is a great place to view Red-billed Gull and the dainty White-Fronted Tern up close. The hiking here is spectacular and many of the bird species of the open can be seen, including the scarce New Zealand Pipit. Atop the Castle Rock the winds may die down enough to let you hear the lilting song of the Skylark high above the windswept pasture.