Tunnel Beach Walk
WalkOtagoOpen
- Grade
- Easiest
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Distance
- 2.6 km
- Route
- Return
- Dogs
- No dogs
Access: read before you go
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited. Drone use on conservation land
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzTunnel Beach car park is 15 min by car from Dunedin, just past the southern suburbs of Corstorphine and Concord.
From Blackhead Road, take the signposted turnoff to Tunnel Beach Road. The car park is at the end of the road.
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Tunnel Beach car park is managed by Dunedin City Council. It has:
The car park gets very busy during the summer season (November to April). It’s best to arrive earlier in the day.
Tunnel Beach car park is open from:
Vehicles left at Tunnel Beach car park after closing time will be locked in overnight. Your car may be impounded at your expense.
If your vehicle is locked in, contact Dunedin City Council on (03) 477 4000.
No parking is permitted on Tunnel Beach Road. Cars parked illegally may be towed.
If the car park is full or locked, the closest parking is by the bus stop at 292 Middleton Road, Corstorphine.
To get to the track entrance, follow the footpath along Blackhead Road and Tunnel Beach Road. It’s a 25 min walk (1.7 km).
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Thieves may target cars parked at Tunnel Beach car park. Take valuables with you.
Several bus routes go from Dunedin city to the bus stop at 292 Middleton Road, Corstorphine. It’s a 25 min walk to the track entrance.
Directions
Tunnel Beach car park is 15 min by car from Dunedin, just past the southern suburbs of Corstorphine and Concord. From Blackhead Road, take the signposted turnoff to Tunnel Beach Road. The car park is at the end of the road. Open in Google Maps
Parking
Tunnel Beach car park is managed by Dunedin City Council. It has: free parking for cars and campervans two marked mobility spaces bike stands. The car park gets very busy during the summer season (November to April). It’s best to arrive earlier in the day. Opening hours Tunnel Beach car park is open from: 8 am–9 pm (September to March) 9 am–5 pm (April to August). Impounded vehicles Vehicles left at Tunnel Beach car park after closing time will be locked in overnight. Your car may be impounded at your expense. If your vehicle is locked in, contact Dunedin City Council on (03) 477 4000 . Alternative parking No parking is permitted on Tunnel Beach Road. Cars parked illegally may be towed. If the car park is full or locked, the closest parking is by the bus stop at 292 Middleton Road, Corstorphine. To get to the track entrance, follow the footpath along Blackhead Road and Tunnel Beach Road. It’s a 25 min walk (1.7 km). Open in Google Maps Lock it or lose it Thieves may target cars parked at Tunnel Beach car park. Take valuables with you.
Public transport
Several bus routes go from Dunedin city to the bus stop at 292 Middleton Road, Corstorphine. It’s a 25 min walk to the track entrance. Orbus Journey Planner
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 45.92094° S, 170.45402° E
About this place
This popular walk on Dunedin’s spectacular coastline is famous for its historic tunnel leading to a wild and secluded beach.
The route
About the walk
Tunnel Beach Walk is a popular short walk on Dunedin’s southern coastline. It’s famous for its tunnel carved through solid rock and spectacular, wave-battered headland. The track is often crowded. For an easy walk, stop at the first viewpoint and enjoy the view. The walk to the tunnel and beach is more challenging. It’s a long descent with some steep sections. You’ll need sturdy footwear and good fitness. Return to the car park the same way you came.
Keep to the track
Keep to the gravel track to:
Car park to viewpoint
600 m / 10 min (return) Follow the well-formed path to the first viewpoint for dramatic views of the headland, coastline and a natural rock archway.
Car park to historic tunnel and beach
1 hr / 2.6 km (return) Continue past the first viewpoint and down to the spectacular rocky coastline. A short tunnel with steps leads down to Tunnel Beach. The track is steep and narrow in places, with lots of zigzags and some steps.
No mountain biking
Mountain biking is not permitted. Find places to go mountain biking
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Mana whenua
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou hold mana whenua or customary authority over this special place.
Safety and hazards
High cliffs: Tunnel Beach has high, unfenced cliffs with steep drops and unstable edges. Stay on the formed gravel track, keep children close and take extra care in wet and windy weather. Beach unsafe for swimming: Tunnel Beach has dangerous currents and waves. It is not patrolled by lifeguards. Tidal access: Tunnel Beach is unsafe at high tide and in rough seas. Large waves can wash ashore at any time without warning. Historic tunnel: The tunnel at Tunnel Beach is dark with a low ceiling, slippery steps and no handrail. Watch your step.
When to go
Plan your walk for low tide if you want to explore Tunnel Beach. New Zealand weather changes quickly. Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared. Check tide times Be prepared
Plan your visit
Bookings are not required for Tunnel Beach Walk. Toilets and accessible toilets are located at Tunnel Beach car park. To report a problem, phone Dunedin City Council on +64 477 4000 . Drinking water is not available. Bring your own. Food and petrol can be found in Dunedin (15 min by car). Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.
What to take
A torch for the tunnel Sturdy footwear with good grip For a complete list, see Short Walks gear list .
Care for nature
Rubbish bins are provided at the car park. Stay on the track to protect critically endangered coastal turf. New Zealand fur seals/kekeno and sea lions/pakake come ashore at Tunnel Beach to rest. Stay at least 20 m away. Protecting nature in Aotearoa
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited. Drone use on conservation land
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels
Otago • 5 km
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MYHUB Holiday Parks Dunedin
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Racecourse Parking
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Leith Valley Touring Park
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Brighton Caravan Park & Boat Hire
Otago • 10 km
Brighton Caravan Park & Boat Hire is a campsite located in the Otago region. The facility offers boat hire services in addition to camping accommodation.
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- OpenStreetMap Trails · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.