Difficulty: Advanced
Time: 3hrs (5kms)
BEWARE: THIS TRACK IS DANGEROUS. DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS YOU HAVE ADEQUATE EXPERIENCE, FOOTWEAR, HAVE TOLD SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND ARE NOT ALONE.
Note: Parts of this track is closed for lambing from 1 September to 31 October
Jacobs Ladder, with the track we took drawn in red.
Jacobs Ladder is a section of a loop track which includes Aramoana Beach, and Heyward Point. We strongly advise against completing this walk (thoughts of imminent death came to mind whenever one looked down) and would recommend instead that you do the return walk from the road to Heyward Point instead.
If you, like us, are crazy enough to attempt this loop walk, learn from my (Michelle’s) mistake and wear pants and proper shoes! (yes, my bare legs and bare feet were a bloodied mess by the top).
That being said, this is one of our favourite spots in all of the Dunedin area, and the spot which Mikey chose to propose! So, here’s the info:
Drive out of Dunedin on State Highway 88, on the Port Chalmers side of the Otago Harbour. State Highway 88 eventually turns into Aramona Road shortly after Port Chalmers (turn left in the center of town, following the road onto Beach Street).
David Gray Massacre Memorial
Drive to the end of Aramoana Road where you’ll find two car parking areas on the left.
The first car park has a track inland which leads to a large memorial dedicated to the 13 victims of the David Gray Massacre, New Zealand’s most deadly criminal shooting (see photo). The second car parking area is at the base of ‘the Mole.’ You can park at either point. (we parked at the first and walked tothe second) The mole is a 1200 meter long artificial breakwater and divides Aramoana beach in half.. It was built in the 1800s to prevent the tide depositing sand into the deep waters boats navigated to reach Dunedin. From the mole you can see the Albatross colony across the harbour, as well as a lighthouse one the tip of the Otago Peninsula. You may even be able to spot Harbour Cone!
The first part of the loop is the Aramoana Beach Walk where you will see Bear Rock, and maybe some fury sea creatures if you’re lucky. Aramoana Beach is known for being a spot to see New Zealands native Yellow-Eyed Penguins (or Hoiho), thought to be the world’s rarest penguin. It’s also a great spot for collecting unique sea-shells!
Dogs are allowed off the leash on this beach, between the mole and Bear Rock. No dogs are permitted north of this point. If there is wildlife around (such as sea lions or penguins) owners are asked to keep their dogs at least 10m away and on a leash.
Bear Rock, Aramoana Beach
Walking the dogs along Aramona beach (on a different trip)
At the end of the beach (way waaaaaaaaaay at the end) you’ll find yourself looking up at a cliff. Basically, climb it .Yup. That’s it. Aim for the patch of trees, try not to look down, and don’t fall! (Note: this is why we do not recommend this). You can see our track in red if you scroll back up. It;s a little to the left of this view:
Once you are at the top (on Heyward Point) the view is AMAZING! You can explore the point, or head back to the road via the Heyward Point track. (find the gate and just follow your nose)
On this track you walk through farmland, through pine trees and are privy to the MOST spectacular views of the Otago Harbor. Eventually you’ll be back on Aramoana Road (where a DOC sign marks the start of the track). Then you just need to walk back to your car, most likely feeling rather tired but accomplished.
A baby Sea Lion on Aramoana Beach
On our way back into town Mike and I decided to take the scenic route along Peninsular Beach Road (here you’ll find Blacks Beach, and views of Quarantine and Goat Islands.). When you reach Port Chalmers go straight ahead on Beach Street alongside the Port. (It’s more than a little freaky as you drive over dis-used train tracks in the road!) We came across a beautiful flock of white geese, meandering across the road towards the harbour. By the time I got my camera out they were in full flight towards the car which I managed to capture in this snap!
