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Beach · Dunedin, Otago
Tunnel Beach
Beach south of Dunedin, beneath sandstone cliffs carved by the sea, featuring a stone arch and a tunnel dug in the 19th century that leads down to the sand. Short, steep track from the car park.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Tunnel Beach
Tunnel Beach lies on Dunedin’s southern coastline, about 7 km from the city centre, on a stretch of light sandstone cliffs that the sea has carved into headlands, arches and stacks. The name comes from the tunnel dug into the rock in the 1870s at the request of politician John Cargill so his family could descend to a small secluded beach.
The track leaves the car park and descends across a grassy slope to the top of the cliffs, where a large stone arch opens out above the sea. From there the tunnel, with steps cut into the rock, leads down to the beach, surrounded by layered cliff faces. The return is a steep climb.
At high tide and in heavy seas the beach is almost entirely covered by water. The place is attractive year-round but requires care: the cliffs have no railings and the sea is open and unsafe for swimming.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour return, plus time on the beach.
Best time
At low tide, to access the beach. Late afternoon gives good light on the cliffs. The track may be closed part of the year for stock management; check ahead.
How to get there
The car park is at the end of Tunnel Beach Road, about 7 km from central Dunedin, roughly a 15-minute drive.
Tip
Check the tide table before descending the tunnel. Keep away from the cliff edges, which have no barrier. Wear sturdy footwear for the climb back.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tunnel Beach
Who made the Tunnel Beach tunnel?
It was dug in the 1870s at the behest of politician John Cargill to give his family access to an isolated beach beneath the cliffs.
Is the Tunnel Beach track difficult?
It's short, but the return is a steep climb. It takes about one hour round trip.
Can you swim at Tunnel Beach?
Not recommended: the sea is open and strong, and at high tide the beach is almost entirely covered.