Tunnel Beach
- 45 min return by the same track
- Easy
A popular coastal walk in Dunedin that explores coastal cliffs and a hand-dug tunnel.
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Walking time
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45 min |
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Distance
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1.7km |
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Type
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Return by the same track
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Grade
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Easy |
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Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
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Starts
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Green Island Bush Road, Waldronville, Dunedin |
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Maps
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NZTopo50-CE17
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Altitude
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Sea level
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167m
Altitude change 167m
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This track drops steeply to a coastline of dramatic sandstone cliffs and a small headland of eroded archways. It is a popular walk, with a steady stream of tourists sweating their way back up to the car park.
Over a stile, the shingle track drops directly downhill across farmland. It bends down toward the cliff edge and a small but striking headland. Tucked into the sandstone, a dark tunnel leads downward on concrete stairs, opening out of the cliff at a secluded beach. The tunnel was commissioned by John Cargill, who lived nearby. The story that one of his daughters drowned at this beach is an urban myth.
There are a number of unfenced cliff edges on this track, and a pounding ocean that is unsafe for swimming.