Last updated July 2026
Careys Bay is a small harbour-side suburb on the western shore of Otago Harbour, immediately north of Port Chalmers and about 13 kilometres northeast of central Dunedin. It offers a quiet residential setting with direct views across the water and easy access to the port town. The area developed in the mid-19th century alongside Port Chalmers and retains several historic buildings, most notably the Careys Bay Hotel. Visitors come for the combination of maritime heritage, coastal scenery and short walks that start from the suburb itself.
Practical Information
| Location | Careys Bay, Otago Harbour, north of Port Chalmers, Dunedin |
| Key landmark | Careys Bay Hotel, 17 Macandrew Road |
| Hotel established | 1874 |
| Access | Short drive or cycle from Port Chalmers; limited on-street parking |
| Nearest major city | Dunedin (13 km) |
| Tracks nearby | Careys Creek Track (DOC) |
About Careys Bay
Careys Bay sits on the western side of Otago Harbour in a sheltered bay that has long supported maritime activity. European settlement began in the 1850s when the Carey family established a presence; the suburb takes its name from David Carey, who lived there until his death in 1896. The area grew in tandem with the development of Port Chalmers as Otago’s main port during the gold-rush era.
The Careys Bay Hotel opened in 1874 and remains the suburb’s most prominent landmark. Built of local bluestone, the Victorian-era building continues to operate as a pub and restaurant specialising in seafood, with indoor fires and a courtyard that overlooks the harbour. Its longevity reflects the enduring role of the hotel as a social hub for both locals and visitors.
Today Careys Bay functions primarily as a residential suburb with a small number of marine-related businesses. Its location provides convenient access to Port Chalmers amenities while maintaining a quieter, harbour-edge character. Short walks and the nearby Careys Creek Track offer opportunities to explore the surrounding hills and native bush.
History and Heritage
The wider Otago Harbour area, including the bay known to Māori as Kōpūtai, has been occupied by Kāi Tahu for generations. Kōpūtai refers to the tidal conditions of the bay and supported traditional food-gathering practices. European organised settlement reached the district in 1848, with Port Chalmers becoming the principal port and Careys Bay developing as a supporting residential and service area.
Heritage New Zealand records note several historic structures in and around Careys Bay, including the former studio of artist Ralph Hotere at Harbour Terrace. The suburb’s built heritage is closely tied to the port’s 19th-century expansion and the construction of roads and seawalls using prison labour in the 1870s.
Walking and Outdoor Activities
The Department of Conservation maintains the Careys Creek Track, a 9 km one-way route that climbs into the hills behind Blueskin Bay. The track passes through kānuka forest and offers birdwatching opportunities, though it is rated challenging with steep sections. Local paths also connect Careys Bay with the Port Chalmers cemetery and Lady Thorn Dell.
A popular day trip follows the coastal road from Careys Bay toward Long Beach, passing through Purakanui and offering elevated views of the Pacific Ocean and rural landscapes. These routes suit cyclists and drivers as well as walkers.
Dining at the Careys Bay Hotel
The Careys Bay Hotel serves pub meals with an emphasis on fresh local seafood. The menu also includes classic dishes such as roast beef and chicken, alongside a bar menu available throughout opening hours. The interior features cosy corners and open fires, while the courtyard provides outdoor seating with harbour views in fine weather.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the Careys Bay Hotel as a welcoming, character-filled pub with reliable seafood and welcoming staff. Many appreciate the harbour views and the chance to sit by the fire on cooler days.
Walkers and cyclists note the scenic routes starting from the suburb, including the challenging but rewarding Careys Creek Track and the coastal drive toward Long Beach with its ocean vistas and rural charm.
Where to Learn More
DunedinNZ.com: Details on the Careys Bay Hotel and local visitor information.
Department of Conservation: Information and track notes for the Careys Creek Track.
Heritage New Zealand: Listings and historical context for buildings and sites in the Careys Bay and Port Chalmers area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Careys Bay located?
Careys Bay lies on the western shore of Otago Harbour, directly north of Port Chalmers and approximately 13 km northeast of central Dunedin.
When was the Careys Bay Hotel built?
The Careys Bay Hotel opened in 1874 and continues to operate as a pub and restaurant.
What Māori name is associated with the area?
The bay and surrounding locality are known to Māori as Kōpūtai, a name linked to Kāi Tahu history and traditional use of the harbour.
Are there walking tracks near Careys Bay?
Yes. The Careys Creek Track begins nearby and the suburb connects to local paths and the coastal route toward Long Beach.
What type of food does the hotel serve?
The hotel specialises in seafood alongside standard pub meals and offers both indoor and courtyard dining with harbour views.
Is Careys Bay suitable for a day trip from Dunedin?
Yes. The short drive, historic hotel and nearby walks make it an easy half-day or full-day outing from central Dunedin.
Are there any heritage listings in Careys Bay?
Several buildings, including the former studio of Ralph Hotere, are recorded by Heritage New Zealand in the Careys Bay and Port Chalmers area.
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