Explore Aramoana Spit
Shelly Beach runs for about 1.6 km along the eastern side of Aramoana Spit, parallel to the harbour mouth. It is reached from the same Domain car park that serves Aramoana Beach.
This is a quieter and more sheltered option than the open surf of Aramoana, as the ocean-facing Shelly Beach is more sheltered by the Aramoana Mole. You can walk along Shelly Beach, then continue around the inner harbour section for an easy loop of the Spit. This provides wide views across the harbour to Otago Peninsula and a good vantage point to watch ships arriving and departing.
How to get there
From Dunedin, drive to Port Chalmers on State Highway 88, then continue along the coast on Aramoana Road to Aramoana. From the Domain car park, walk through the dunes onto Shelly Beach.
You can also do the short salt marsh loop walk, then wander along the mole or onto Aramoana Beach. Port Chalmers offers a stop for refreshments.
