Wanderyn
Tunnel Beach
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

Tunnel Beach

Getting around: About 10-15 minutes' drive south of central Dunedin. There's a small car park at the trailhead; no public transport reaches it directly.
Hours: Open access during daylight hours; the track can close periodically for lambing season (typically August-October) since it crosses farmland — check before visiting during that window.

Tunnel Beach is a small, secluded beach reached via a hand-carved sandstone tunnel cut through the cliffs in the 1870s for a wealthy local family's private access, ending at a dramatic cove with sea arches and cliffs. The short walking track to get there crosses farmland with good coastal views along the way.

It's a relatively short walk (about 30-40 minutes return) but includes a steep descent/climb back up, and the beach itself is only safely accessible at low tide.

Tunnel Beach FAQs

How long is the walk?

About 30-40 minutes return, including a steep section down to and back up from the beach.

Can I access the beach at any tide?

No, it's only safely accessible at low tide — check tide times before going down, as it can be dangerous at high tide.

Why is there a tunnel?

It was hand-carved through the sandstone cliff in the 1870s to give a wealthy local family private access to the beach below.

Does the track ever close?

Yes, it crosses farmland and can close during lambing season (roughly August-October) — check current status before visiting.

Is it free?

Yes, there's no entry fee, just the short drive and the walk.

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