Aramoana Road: One of the Most Beautiful (and Sometimes Nerve-Wracking) Coastal Drives in the World
Aramoana Road is a very scenic coastal drive located on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, offering a unique experience where, as one driver described, you can "imagine driving a road on sea level, with the ocean stuck to the side of the road." It's one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world.
Where is Aramoana Road?
The road is located northeast of Dunedin, at the mouth of the Otago Harbour, on the South Island’s southeast coast, and leads to Aramoana. The name Aramoana is Māori for "pathway of the sea". The town also carries a somber history as the site of New Zealand's second deadliest criminal shooting, a mass murder that occurred on 13 and 14 November 1990. A monument to the 13 victims stands on the dunes near the Aramoana Mole.
How long is Aramoana Road?
Running right along the sea, the road is totally paved. It’s 10.7 km (6.64 miles) long, running south-north from Port Chalmers to Aramoana, where it ends.
What's the Drive Really Like? User Experiences
Many drivers describe Aramoana Road as a stunning drive that follows the different bays of the area, offering continuous breathtaking coastal views. However, the proximity to the ocean can also be a significant part of the experience. As some have noted, "it can be scary for people who are afraid of driving right to the sea without guardrails," and it "can be unnerving for some drivers" due to the close proximity to the water's edge.