Tunnel Hill Historic Reserve
Tunnel Hill
A railway tunnel hand-dug in the 1890s. A round trip walking through the pitch-dark tunnel takes about ten minutes.
The Catlins branch railway broke through this tunnel in 1895. It is about 250 metres long and is the southernmost railway tunnel in New Zealand. After the railway closed in 1971, it was converted into a walking track. From the roadside car park, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the tunnel entrance. There is no lighting inside and the floor is damp, so bring a torch or use your phone light. The round trip takes about 20 minutes, is free and makes a convenient stop on the way to Owaka.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Owaka Museum Wahi Kahuika
- Surat Bay
- Cannibal Bay
- Jack's Blowhole
- Kaka Point
- Nugget Point / Tokatā
- Purakaunui Falls
- Matai Falls & Horseshoe Falls