Hidden from sight, Tunnel Beach is one of Dunedin’s truly special places. The walk down a man-made tunnel will bring you to a stunning patch of sand surrounded by carved out cliffs.
Just South of Dunedin on New Zealand‘s South Island the magnificent Tunnel Beach (maps) awaits visitors through its eerie, dimly-lit passageway.
The secluded seashore is a hidden coastal gem, with steep sandstone cliffs on three sides and wild waves on the fourth. Its name is no coincidence, the only entry to the beach is through a 72-step long hand-carved tunnel.
Despite being chiseled out by hand, the tunnel looks exceptional, with smooth walls and small steps. However, the narrow walkway has no artificial lighting, relying only on what the sun decides, making the trip through it a sometimes spooky experience.
You’ll want to watch your step as well, water pools together on the stones beneath, causing the steps to be a slippery mess. But, don’t let that deter you from making the remarkable journey.
The trek down the hill above, in combination with the passage adds a fantastic, unique element to the walk. And, makes the end result of Tunnel Beach feel like a small but significant accomplishment.
SOME HISTORY OF TUNNEL BEACH
The tunnel at Tunnel Beach was commissioned by a local politician in the 1870s named John Cargill. You’ll see the Cargill family name all around Dunedin’s city center, especially some of its more noteworthy buildings and monuments.
Their family has played a prominent role in Otago’s history for centuries. While I can’t claim to know much about the family beyond that, they are the main reason access to the beach is possible.
A LOCAL LEGEND
Some local legends even state that one of John’s daughters drowned here, but take that with a grain of salt. There’s no definitive truth behind the story, however, it’s a great way to deter people from swimming in the wild sea.
Some Words of Warning | The water here gets very rough, with a nasty rip and fierce, crashing waves. Don’t try to swim here, it’s not worth it. Instead, enjoy the views of the endless ocean and the occasional sea lion moseying around.
Next to the beach, you’ll find a massive rock formation with a beautiful sea arch that extends into the Pacific Ocean. If you make your way up, you’ll notice the true scope of its size. There’s plenty of space to walk around on top. It also gives you a firsthand look at the shaped stone that endured years of abuse from the untamed waters.
If you’re an avid birdwatcher, the arch is a great place to base yourself. Seabirds nest on the cliffs above Tunnel Beach and fly off past the rough wave break to catch fish. So, you should have a great vantage point to see wildlife in action.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TUNNEL BEACH
During high tide, the sand is mostly submerged in water, so the best time to visit is during low tide. Although, the surrounding scenery makes the hiking trail a worthy place no matter the time of day.
If you spend some time in the area, it’s easy to lose track of time watching birds flying above the white-capped sea. You might also run into some of the previously mentioned sea lions. Watch your step, they almost blend into the rocks at times. They are also wild animals, and sneaky quick at that. It’s better to steer clear, watching them from a safe distance.
Tunnel Beach is truly one of the most beautiful spots on New Zealand’s magnificent coastline. It’s a must-visit spot when visiting the Dunedin area and one of the best small hikes in the area.
GETTING TO TUNNEL BEACH FROM DUNEDIN
Tunnel Beach is about 15 minutes by car from Dunedin’s city center. You can also get there on foot or by bus. It’s around 8 km each way, so walking will take between 3 and 4 hours roundtrip.
I ended up walking myself, and while it wasn’t too difficult, it was a long trip. Knowing this, the bus is probably your best option. Multiple routes will get you close to the trailhead, you can find their timetables here.
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