Aramoana Beach & saltmarsh walk
The Aramoana Boardwalk and saltmarsh experience, and other short walks from Aramoana on the edge of Otago Harbour, suit all ages and abilities.
Flat boardwalk
- Duration: 20 to 45 min
- Easiest: Short walk
- No dogs allowed
Isolated, pure white sand in contrast to dramatic imposing cliffs plus a saltmarsh walk across a landscape where imagination is all you want it to be. Must visit locations for photo enthusiasts and lovers of nature at its most raw. Aramoana means pathway to the sea, and expect to meet some local residents, sea lions. Remember to keep your distance of at least 20 metres and do not get between a sea lion’s view of the sea.
Check DOC resource for up to date information.
Stunning white sandy beach is split by the Mole. The Mole is a long breakwater stretching out into the harbour entrance. It’s an exhilarating walk with the ocean pounding the Mole on one side and the quieter harbour waters the other.
The viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk is a great place to enjoy the rich variety of life on the salt marsh. You can also observe bird life on the mud flats and the range of shipping that passes in and out of the harbour.
DUNEDIN, OTAGO PENINSULA WHERE TO GO TO SPOT WILDLIFE?
Allans Beach Track, Otago region. A walk around Allans Beach’s wild coastlines is another opportunity to spot the Otago Peninsula’s resident penguins and sea lions among other beach-loving native animals. A short five-minute stroll from the car park will take you across Allans Beach track – it’s not uncommon to find yourself facing the resident wildlife as you venture onto the tracks. Keep at least 20 metres from all wildlife.
Keep within a 20-metre (66-feet) distance from all wildlife to avoid any risk of being attacked – fur seals in particular can be quite hostile if they feel threatened.
Other walks around Aramoana spit and the Mole, Otago Peninsula
These short walks all begin at the end of Moana Street:
Moana St – Aramoana Spit
- Length: 3 km (return)
- Duration: 45 min (return)
Moana St – sea wall
- Length: 900 m (return)
- Duration: 15 min (return)
Moana St – Aramoana mole
- Length: 2.5 km (return)
- Time: 30 min (return)
Look for Royal Albatross floating the winds as they position themselves to land on Taiaroa Head.
There is a track and boardwalk that takes you through the tidal salt marshes and huge sandhill down the northern end of the beach. The settlement is full of classic kiwiana cribs.
Night sky fans and photographers have found a well known local spot for capturing the Milky Way and, if you are lucky, glimpsing one of the night sky treats, glowing bands of Aurora Australis.
GETTING TO ARAMOANA BEACH
From Dunedin and then Port Chalmers, follow the road out to the Aramoana settlement and park by the Domain on Moana Street.
For more information about Dunedin beaches and what to do visiting Dunedin & Otago Peninsula check out Dunedin Travel Guide.
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