Tunnel Beach Walk
Located in Dunedin area in the Otago region
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Introduction
Experience Otago’s spectacular rocky coastline on one of Dunedin’s best short walks. Enjoy the views from a viewing area or walk through the hand carved tunnel to a secluded beach.2.6 km return via same track
Seasonal restrictions
The car park is locked between the hours of:
- 5 pm – 9 am (April – August)
- 9pm – 8 am (September – March)
Any vehicles in the car park after the closing times may be locked into the car park. There is no parking on Tunnel Beach Road outside of the car park.
Dog access
Image gallery
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Tunnel Beach Track Image: eyeintim | Creative Commons
![Tunnel Beach Track.]( "Tunnel Beach Track.")
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Tunnel down to beach Image: itravelNZ | Creative Commons
![Tunnel down to beach.]( "Tunnel down to beach.")
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Tunnel Beach from above Image: DunedinNZ ©
![Tunnel Beach from above.]( "Tunnel Beach from above.")
Tunnel Beach Walk provides spectacular coastal views including a natural sandstone archway/land bridge alongside a headland covered in critically endangered native coastal turf.
The walk includes access through a historic 1870s hand-dug tunnel, for which the site is named, to a small but beautiful beach nestled among towering cliffs.
From the Tunnel Beach carpark, follow the well-formed path downhill to several viewpoints known as “nests” and learn about the area’s rich cultural, historical, and geological history.
Short option: Carpark to Nest 1 viewpoint
Time: 10 min return
Distance: 600 m return
Follow the well-formed path to Nest 1 to get spectacular views of the headland and coastline and see and learn about the Pā Harakeke, a garden of select harakeke/flax varieties. Harakeke has many traditional uses and cultivated for raranga/weaving.
Long option: Carpark to Nest 5 viewpoint, tunnel and beach
Time: 1 hr return
Distance: 2.6 km return
Follow the well-formed path downhill through each of the five ‘nests’ to the spectacular rocky coastline. At the end of the track, a short tunnel with steps leads down to a secluded beach.
Tunnel Beach is to the south of Dunedin. From Blackhead Road take the signposted turnoff to Tunnel Beach Road. Start at the car park on Tunnel Beach Road.
Parking is available in the Dunedin City Council car park. Do not park on the roadside.
The car park is locked between the hours of:
- 5 pm – 9 am (April – August)
- 9pm – 8 am (September – March)
- Tunnel Beach is still accessible outside of these hours, but nearby parking may be limited.
Vehicles left in carpark after closing times or blocking private roads or driveway will be towed at owner’s expense.
Don't leave valuables in your car – there have been break-ins.
No mountain biking
- Mountain biking is not permitted on this track.
What to expect
- Change in elevation +/- 111m
Hazards
- This is an exposed coastal site. Take care around cliffs as they may be slippery and unstable after rain. Watch for rockfall.
- Tidal risk, prone to rogue waves. This is not a swimming beach.
- There are caves to explore from the beach. Check the tide timetable to avoid getting trapped. Torches are recommended in caves.
- Take due care in the tunnel. The tunnel is dark, and the steps can be slippery. There is no handrail in the tunnel.
Facilities:
- A few resting areas along the way with one picnic table.
- Toilets are available at the carpark.
All drone use must be authorised by DOC
You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.
Coastal turf
Coastal turf | Image: Shay van der Hurk
The headland at Tunnel Beach is home to a fragile, critically endangered, community of native plants. Walking on the headland permanently damages the soil and native plants that form the coastal turf.
Stay on the gravel track to help protect this critically endangered ecosystem.
Wildlife
Pakake/New Zealand sea lion often frequent the beach.
What to do if you see them or other wildlife:
- do not disturb - stay at least 10 m away from them
- be prepared to move away calmly if approached.
The tunnel was built in the 1870s at the request of John Cargill. Originally a simple slope, concrete steps were added when it was opened to the public in 1983.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| dunedinoffice@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |