Northwest Tip of Te Motu Kairangi / Miramar Peninsula
Together, Point Halswell and Shelly Bay, lying below Mount Crawford on the northwest tip of Te Motu Kairangi / Miramar Peninsula, combine interesting history with picturesque views and off-the-beaten-path experiences, all just a short drive or cycle from central Wellington.
Exploring Point Halswell
Point Halswell is located at the northern tip of Te Motu Kairangi / Miramar Peninsula. Hugging the edge of Evans Bay, the coastal drive past Scorching Bay leads to this windswept headland, home to the Point Halswell Lighthouse. This small but striking cast-iron tower has been guiding vessels into Wellington Harbour since 1894.
Still active today, the lighthouse stands on a rocky outcrop just offshore and was originally constructed to help prevent shipwrecks as maritime traffic through the harbour increased. Its cylindrical tower, painted white with a black lantern, is not only functional but photogenic—especially at sunrise or on a calm evening. The nearby waters are also a popular fishing spot, especially for kahawai and blue cod, with locals casting off the rocks or launching small boats.
Discovering Historic Shelly Bay
From Point Halswell, the road curves south toward Shelly Bay, a site steeped in New Zealand military history. Established in 1887 as the Submarine Mining Depot Barracks, the bay became part of the country’s coastal defence network. It was repurposed in 1907 as a navy base, then later became an Air Force station that remained active until 1995.
Today, the collection of abandoned buildings and rusting piers gives Shelly Bay a haunting, cinematic quality—one that has made it popular for film crews and urban explorers alike. In 2009, the land was returned to Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
Hiking to Mt Crawford
From Shelly Bay, a short but steep walk leads up to the summit of Mount Crawford, with panoramic views over the harbour and city. Along the way, you’ll pass World War II gun emplacements, remnants of the peninsula’s defensive past, with an optional deviation to the Massey Memorial, a striking white marble tomb dedicated to Prime Minister William Massey, who died in office in 1925.
How to Get There
To reach the Miramar Peninsula from Central Wellington, take State Highway 1 towards the airport. As you pass teh north end of the runway, head north onto Shelly Bay Road, which will take you to Shelly Bay, the Point Halswell. The drive takes 15 minutes and is 9 km.
While on the peninsula, you can also drive around to the west side and visit Scorching Bay, Worser Bay, Breaker Bay, Port Dorset, and Tarakena Bay.
