The slopes rise to a series of crests generally known collectively as Highcliff, a name also often applied to the last suburban vestiges which remain as Dunedin's urban area becomes the rural land of the peninsula.

More accurately, the name is that of a cliff which lies on the Pacific coast of the peninsula 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) east of Shiel Hill.

From Rotary Park, views can be obtained across and along the harbour to central Dunedin to the northwest, Signal Hill to the north, and Port Chalmers to the northeast.

David Bain was found guilty and served 13 years of a life sentence before succeeding in having the case reopened.

Most parts of the peninsula between central Dunedin and Portobello which do not lie on the Otago Harbour coast are primarily accessible from this road.

Though winding and often narrow, Highcliff Road is a popular route with tourists, as its location allows for views across the peninsula and harbour.

Prominent features of Highcliff Road which lie near Shiel Hill include the Otago Peninsula Fallen Soldiers' Memorial, a war memorial atop a 225-metre (738 ft) peak known as Arthur's Seat (after the similarly named prominence in Edinburgh, Scotland).