Tunnel Beach Dunedin
A historic hand-carved tunnel leads to a secluded beach with dramatic sea cliffs and caves, offering a unique coastal adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Access the beach and explore
Tunnel Beach Dunedin
Best Time
Access the beach and explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic hand-carved tunnel leads to a secluded beach with dramatic sea cliffs and caves, offering a unique coastal adventure.
"Be prepared for a bit of a walk but it's well worth it. "
Check Tides Before You Go
High tide can block access to the beach. Check tide times for safe exploration. :informationdeskperson:
Steep Climb Back Up
The walk back is uphill. Use the marked trail for an easier ascent if needed. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hand-Carved Tunnel
Entrance to the beach
Descend through a historic, hand-carved tunnel to reach a hidden coastal paradise.
Dramatic Sea Cliffs
Tunnel Beach
Marvel at the stunning sandstone sea cliffs and unique rock formations sculpted by the ocean.
Secluded Beach Cove
Tunnel Beach
Discover a picturesque beach nestled within a dramatic coastal landscape, perfect for exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check the Tides!
The Walk Back is Steep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tides Before You Go
High tide can block access to the beach. Check tide times for safe exploration.
Steep Climb Back Up
The walk back is uphill. Use the marked trail for an easier ascent if needed.
Watch Your Step in Tunnel
The tunnel can be dark and wet. Exercise caution when walking through it.
Great Views Along the Track
The walk offers beautiful coastal views. Take breaks to soak them in. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tides Before You Go
High tide can block access to the beach. Check tide times for safe exploration.
Steep Climb Back Up
The walk back is uphill. Use the marked trail for an easier ascent if needed.
Watch Your Step in Tunnel
The tunnel can be dark and wet. Exercise caution when walking through it.
Great Views Along the Track
The walk offers beautiful coastal views. Take breaks to soak them in. :camerawithflash:
Low Tide for Beach Access
To walk on the beach, aim for low tide. High tide can make it disappointing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal scenery and the unique experience of walking through the historic hand-carved tunnel. The recently renovated track makes the descent easier, though the steep uphill return is a common point of feedback. Checking tide times is crucial for beach access.
"Be prepared for a bit of a walk but it's well worth it. There is a recently renovated walking path that makes the journey more enjoyable and easier to walk down. You'll get some great views and will be happy to made the walk down."
Jason
"Great walk! They have added a new track for easy walk down. Probably took 10 minutes to walk down. A few places to stop and take pictures. The tunnel is dark and a wet so caution when walking. The beach was great sand with some large rocks. Check tides if you want to go on the beach. The walk up wasn’t too strenuous. Took about 20min with a couple min break on the way up!"
Rebecca cookson
"Awesome, nice new pathway, great views. Beach was disappointing at high tide big rocks to climb over. The walk back was a challenge. Would be nice to have a few seats along the track not just to rest but also sit and soak up the views"
Juraja Katuin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tunnel Beach is located a short 15-minute drive from Dunedin city centre.
While specific public transport routes directly to Tunnel Beach might be limited, it's easily accessible by car. Consider ride-sharing services or local taxis if you don't have your own vehicle.
The parking area at Tunnel Beach has been recently renovated and expanded, making it much easier to find a spot.
Yes, there's a walking track to Tunnel Beach. The walk down is generally easier, but the walk back up is steep.
The walk is approximately a 3km return trip and takes about 15-20 minutes downhill to reach the beach. The return climb can take a bit longer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tunnel Beach is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for all visitors.
Tunnel Beach is accessible during daylight hours. However, access to the beach itself is dependent on the tides.
No, there is no admission fee to visit Tunnel Beach. It's a publicly accessible natural wonder.
While the track is open, the beach is only safely accessible during low tide and on calm days.
The Tunnel Beach track has experienced closures due to slips, with a reopening expected around mid-2025. Always check for current status before visiting.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Explore the hand-carved tunnel, admire the dramatic sea cliffs, and enjoy the unique beach cove. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying coastal scenery.
Tunnel Beach is generally not recommended for swimming due to strong currents and rough conditions. It's best enjoyed for its views and exploration.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for a steep track. Bring a jacket as it can be windy, and be prepared for the tunnel to be damp.
Yes, you can walk on the beach, but it's best to visit during low tide to have more beach area to explore.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at Tunnel Beach. Come prepared with water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic sea cliffs, the unique tunnel entrance, and the coastal vistas. The beach itself offers stunning perspectives, especially at low tide.
While sunrise visits are possible, be aware of potential parking closures. The dramatic landscape offers great photographic opportunities at various times of day.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and the tunnel. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and aviation authority rules before flying a drone in the area.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light. However, the dramatic rock formations are photogenic throughout the day, especially with good weather.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and water, as there are no facilities on site. While the beach is beautiful, it's not ideal for swimming due to strong currents.
The focus for families should be on exploration, enjoying the dramatic coastal scenery, and the unique experience of the tunnel. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
+1 The approximately 3km round trip provides stunning ocean views and unique geological formations. The hand-carved tunnel adds an element of historical intrigue to the walk.
Some visitors suggest using the marked trail for a less demanding ascent. 📸 Photographers
The interplay of light and shadow within the tunnel, and the powerful ocean waves crashing against the sandstone, create compelling photographic opportunities. Visiting during the 'golden hours' around sunrise or sunset can yield spectacular results, but the dramatic scenery is photogenic throughout the day.
Remember to check the tides, as low tide reveals more of the beach and rock formations, offering different perspectives. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the grandeur of the cliffs and the vastness of the ocean. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Tunnel
The tunnel itself is narrow and can be damp, so visitors are advised to watch their step and proceed with caution. It adds a unique historical and adventurous element to the visit, making the descent to the beach feel like stepping back in time. Many visitors find the tunnel to be a highlight of their trip, offering a sense of discovery and a dramatic entrance to the coastal landscape.
It’s a tangible piece of history that enhances the natural beauty of the location. While the tunnel is a key attraction, remember that its condition and accessibility can be affected by weather and maintenance. Always check for any advisories before your visit.
Navigating the Track and Tides
+1 Many visitors recommend using the marked trail for a slightly longer but less strenuous ascent. A crucial aspect of planning your visit is checking the tide times. Tunnel Beach is only truly accessible during low tide.
Visiting at high tide can mean the beach is submerged or difficult to reach, leading to disappointment. Be prepared for the conditions underfoot. The tunnel can be wet and slippery, and the beach itself may have large rocks to navigate, especially at higher tides.
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