· By Bach NZ
Castlepoint bach holidays: what to pack and plan
A Castlepoint bach holiday can be as simple as breakfast with a sea view, a walk along the beach and something good to cook for dinner. A few practical decisions before you leave make it easier to settle in when you arrive.
Our two baches share one property, with the beach across the road. Here is what to arrange and bring for your stay, from choosing the sleeping setup to remembering the beach towels.
Choose Bach A, Bach B or both
Bach A sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms: a queen bed in one and two singles in the other. It suits a group that wants separate sleeping rooms and a shared kitchen, lounge and deck. There are stairs to access the bach.
Bach B is a single-level home with one bedroom and a sofa bed in the living area for a third guest. Think about whether someone in your group will need that living space as a bedroom at night.
Travelling with family or friends? Compare the two baches for a stay of up to seven people across both homes. The yard is shared and not fully fenced, so plan to supervise children around the property and road. Neither bach permits pets, smoking, parties or events.
Pack your linen and beach essentials
Linen is not included as standard. Duvets and pillows are supplied; if you are bringing your own linen, pack top and bottom sheets, pillowcases, towels, face cloths, a bath mat and tea towels.
You can arrange the optional linen service for NZ$25 per person per stay, regardless of the number of nights. It includes bed linen, bath towels, face cloths, a bath mat, hand towel and tea towel. Let us know before you arrive if you would like it arranged. Bring your own beach towels either way.
For days by the sea, add:
- Comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer and a rain jacket.
- A sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Beach towels, swimwear and a bag for damp or sandy gear.
- A drink bottle, a book or a game, and any fishing or surfing equipment you plan to use.
Bring food for easy meals at the bach
Both baches have their own kitchen, so bring food for a first dinner and the next morning’s breakfast. A meal you can put together without much preparation leaves more of the evening free for a walk or a seat on the deck.
Pack your favourite tea or coffee and the ingredients you know you will want. If a particular kitchen item matters to your plans, ask us before travelling. The Bach A photo gallery and Bach B photo gallery show the actual kitchens and dining spaces.
Download what you need before the drive
Neither bach provides Wi-Fi. Save your booking confirmation, arrival instructions and any directions you need before setting off. Download a playlist, a film or reading material too, if you want them during your stay.
Bring your chargers, and make any work or internet arrangements in advance. There is no need to fill every quiet moment, though; a book and a view of the water can take care of an afternoon.
Leave time for the lighthouse and the deck
Choose an outing or two and let the weather shape the rest. Our Castlepoint lighthouse walk guide is a starting point for exploring the coast. Check the Department of Conservation’s current reserve advice before heading out: keep to marked tracks, stay back from cliff edges and supervise children. The reef and sea can be dangerous even on a bright day.
Back at the bach, take your tea outside when the weather suits or settle in with a book. For a September-to-November visit, our spring guide to golf, fishing and surfing at Castlepoint has local activity ideas and Wairarapa events for 2026.
Arrange your arrival and departure
Check-in is from 2 pm, and checkout is by 10 am. Keep the arrival instructions we send handy, and contact us about your stay if you need to clarify anything before the trip.
Leave time before checkout to tidy the bach, wash and put away your dishes, remove your food and belongings, and follow the rubbish and recycling instructions inside. Return the keys as described in your arrival instructions, and let us know if anything needs attention.
Check dates for your Castlepoint stay once you have chosen your bach and who is coming. A booking request awaits our confirmation after we check availability across our calendars; we agree the total and payment arrangements with you directly.