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 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 in exceptional shape. However, the narrow walkway is naturally lit, making the trip down a 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 and through 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 noteworthy buildings and monuments. Their family has played a prominent role in Otago’s history. While I can’t claim to know much about the family beyond that, they are the main reason access to the beach is possible.
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.
Warning | The water here gets very rough, with a nasty rip and crashing waves. Don’t try to swim here, just enjoy the views of the endless ocean and the occasional sea lion.
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.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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.
How to get there?
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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