Shelly Park is located on the eastern edges of metropolitan East Auckland, along the Hauraki Gulf coast.

[3] Shelly Park Beach is located to the south of the suburb, and is found along the shores of the estuarial Mangemangeroa Creek.

[6] The area was cultivated by Ngāi Tai, and protected by the Tūwakamana Pā at Cockle Bay.

Moananui, chief of the Ngāi Tai at Shelly Park, suggested that the Trices buy land across the creek, near Clifton Road.

[9] In 1847, Howick township was established as a defensive outpost for Auckland, by fencibles (retired British Army soldiers) and their families.

[9] In 1854 when Fairburn's purchase was investigated by the New Zealand Land Commission, a Ngāi Tai reserve was created around the Wairoa River and Umupuia areas, and as a part of the agreement, members of Ngāi Tai agreed to leave their traditional settlements to the west, near Howick.

A holidaying community developed around Shelly Beach, and was active until the 1970s, when the area transitioned into a suburb of Auckland.

[9] The club offers dry docking facilities and the beach is an access point to the estuary where boats are moored.