Tunnel Beach
Sandstone sea cliffs, a natural stone arch and a tunnel hand-cut in the 19th century make this Dunedin's most photogenic coastal walk.
Tunnel Beach lies on the coast about 7 km southwest of the city and is managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The track leads from the car park through pasture and descends about 1 km. At the end are sandstone sea arches carved by waves and steep golden cliffs, which make for a spectacular view. In the 1870s, local politician John Cargill had a tunnel of about 72 steps cut through the rock so that his family could reach a private beach below. Passing through the tunnel brings you to a small cove enclosed by cliffs, and at high tide waves rush straight into it, which is the origin of the name. The round trip takes about 1 hour, and the return uphill is steep.
Tips: the beach can only be walked on at low tide, so check the tide tables in advance. There are no railings along the cliff edge, so never go near the edge to take photos. The track may be temporarily closed during the spring lambing season, so check the DOC website before you set out. Entry is free. You will need a car or a taxi to get there.
Opening hours
All day (mind the tides)
Nearby sights
- St Clair Beach & Hot Salt Water Pool
- Speight's Brewery
- Dunedin Chinese Garden (Lan Yuan)
- Dunedin Public Art Gallery
- Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
- First Church of Otago
- The Octagon & St Paul's Cathedral
- Dunedin Railway Station