Last updated July 2026
Shelly Bay is a small bay on the western side of the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, forming part of the Maupuia suburb and lying within the larger Evans Bay. The site served as New Zealand Defence Force land for 124 years until its sale in 2009. It holds significant Māori history as the location of the village Maru-Kai-Kuru and later became the focus of a major planning dispute over a proposed residential development. The development was cancelled in 2023, after which the land was purchased by Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh. Today the bay remains a site of cultural, historical and environmental interest with ongoing restoration efforts.
Practical Information
| Location | Western side of Miramar Peninsula, within Evans Bay, Maupuia suburb, Wellington |
| Current ownership | Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh (purchased 2023) |
| Previous ownership | Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika (from 2009); New Zealand Defence Force (1886–2009) |
| Area | Approximately 4.5 hectares transferred in 2009 settlement |
| Public access | Foreshore and road access available; check locally for any temporary restrictions due to works or private land |
| Distance from Wellington CBD | About 8 km by road |
About Shelly Bay
Shelly Bay occupies a low-lying coastal strip backed by steep cliffs on the Miramar Peninsula. The area includes reclaimed land and faces risks from coastal flooding and sea level rise, with projections indicating increased frequency of extreme events.
The bay supports wildlife including little blue penguins that nest in the vicinity. Its setting offers scenic coastal views and forms part of the route around the peninsula.
Following the 2023 purchase, the new owners have stated plans to restore the natural beauty of the coastline through landscaping and planting. Proposals have included potential future uses for arts and recreation, with resource consent sought in 2025 for a museum in a historic building.
Māori History
In the 1820s and 1830s, peoples from multiple iwi including Te Āti Awa, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Tama migrated to the Wellington region and became known collectively as Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika. A village named Maru-Kai-Kuru was located at the northern end of the bay.
The land was purchased by the New Zealand Company in 1839 in a transaction later acknowledged by the Crown as flawed. As part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement, 4.5 hectares at Shelly Bay were transferred to Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika on 14 February 2009.
Defence History
The Crown requisitioned Shelly Bay in 1886 for defence purposes, establishing an anti-submarine mine depot operated by the Wellington Submarine Mining Volunteers. The site later functioned as a naval station known as HMNZS Cook and, from 1946, as an RNZAF base until its closure in 1995.
After military use ended, the area hosted an arts centre known as Art Base with studios and galleries until around 2021. A naval museum operated on site until 2008. The Chocolate Fish cafe was a notable tenant in one of the historic buildings for many years.
The Development Controversy
After the 2009 transfer, a $500 million mixed-use residential development was proposed. The project faced sustained opposition from community groups, film-maker Peter Jackson, then-Mayor Andy Foster and some Māori interests, leading to multiple legal challenges.
The development was cancelled in September 2023. Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh purchased the land, ending the proposal and shifting focus toward restoration of the natural and cultural values of the bay.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the drive along the scenic coastal road as enjoyable and note the peaceful setting with historic buildings and harbour views. Some mention the need for a car to reach the area and appreciate opportunities for walking or exploring the foreshore when accessible.
People often comment on the site’s layered history and express interest in its future as a restored natural area rather than a large-scale development. Recent updates about potential cultural or recreational uses have been welcomed by some observers.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Shelly Bay: Detailed account of Māori settlement, military use, arts centre period and development dispute with references to primary sources.
RNZ – Controversial $500m Shelly Bay development cancelled: Contemporary reporting on the 2023 cancellation and purchase by Jackson and Walsh.
Stuff – Shelly Bay sale to Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh: Coverage of the land purchase and community reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shelly Bay?
On the western side of the Miramar Peninsula within Evans Bay, part of the Maupuia suburb in Wellington, approximately 8 km from the city centre.
Who owns Shelly Bay now?
Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh purchased the land in 2023 after the proposed residential development was cancelled.
What was the Shelly Bay development?
A $500 million mixed residential project proposed by The Wellington Company that faced years of legal challenges and community opposition before being cancelled in September 2023.
Who is Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika?
The collective of Wellington Māori iwi groups that received the land in 2009 as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown.
What is Maru-Kai-Kuru?
The name of the Māori village located at the northern end of Shelly Bay prior to European settlement and defence use.
How long was Shelly Bay used for defence purposes?
For 124 years, from the Crown requisition in 1886 until the 2009 sale to Taranaki Whānui.
Can the public access Shelly Bay?
The coastal road and foreshore are generally accessible by car or on foot, though visitors should check for any temporary closures related to maintenance or private areas.
What are the current plans for Shelly Bay?
The owners have begun restoration work focused on returning the bay to its natural state, with proposals including potential arts, cultural or recreational uses such as a museum in a heritage building.
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