Tunnel Beach – Dunedin, New Zealand - Atlas Obscura
What's near me? Random Place Icon Random Place

Tunnel Beach

Dunedin, New Zealand

Known for the tunnel that leads visitors to the water. 

View all photos
Collage of the tunnel at Tunnel Beach, Dunedin, New Zealand, showing the beginning, a look backwards up the tunnel, and a view of the beach at the end of the tunnel. (Wikimedia Commons) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tunnel_B... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tunnel_Beach_New_Zealand_II.jpg)
Collage of the tunnel at Tunnel Beach, Dunedin, New Zealand, showing the beginning, a look backwards up the tunnel, and a view of the beach at the end of the tunnel. (Wikimedia Commons) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tunnel_B... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tunnel_Beach_New_Zealand_II.jpg)
Tunnel beach (to the left) from further down the coast. (Wikimedia Commons) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnel_Beach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnel_Beach)
192
632
Related Stories
beaches

10 Obscure Beaches That Are Everything a Beach Should Be

Eric Grundhauser August 1, 2015
Top Places in Dunedin
Beverly Clock
Dunedin, New Zealand
Lanyop Gallery
Dunedin, New Zealand
Baldwin Street Houses
Dunedin, New Zealand
 See All

A locality nearly five miles southwest of the Dunedin, New Zealand, Tunnel Beach is famous for the tunnel that leads visitors down to the beach. Commissioned by local politician, John Cargill, son of Captain William Cargill, in the 1870s, the tunnel is the primary draw, but not the only draw, of the area, which is also known for the beauty of its rugged sandstone cliffs, rock arches, and caves.

To reach the beach today, visitors must trek across private farmland. The path, which was opened in 1983, descends from about 500 feet above sea level and is located just a short distance from Blackhead Road. The path winds its way to the top of the tunnel, which then leads guests down 72 steps to the beach.

The tunnel is a bit spooky. Naturally lit, the tunnel is quite dark and if you speak at a low enough pitch while inside of it, it resonates loudly from one end to the other.

Know Before You Go

From SH1, South Dunedin, follow the Southern Scenic Route sign to Blackhead Road. Turn on to Green Island Bush Road and stop at the carpark. Follow the fenced track downhill to the spectacular, rocky coastline. At the end of the track a short tunnel with steps leads down to the beach. This track crosses private land. Please respect the landowner’s property and livestock.

Atlas Obscura Trips

New Zealand: Māori Traditions & Natural Marvels

Book Now
beaches tunnels subterranean sites caves natural wonders ecosystems nature
Nearby
The Alexander Piano
3.85 miles
Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery
4.41 miles
Beverly Clock
4.70 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Dunedin, New Zealand

The Alexander Piano

One of the world's largest pianos is displayed in the workshop of the man who built it as a teenager.
Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery

Three rooms of bones, curios, and one artist's collection of natural artifacts create this intriguing museum.
Dunedin, New Zealand

Beverly Clock

Running since 1864, this clock has yet to be wound, one of the longest-running science experiments known.
Dunedin, New Zealand

Baldwin Street Houses

One of the world's steepest streets seems to have houses sliding down it.
Related Places
Mialet, France

100,000 Soldiers of Trabuc Caves

This army of concretions is an unexplained geological phenomenon unlike anything else in the world.
Israel

Avshalom Cave

This amazing ancient cave was kept secret for seven years to protect it from the public.
Quebrada, Puerto Rico

Cueva Clara

An enchanting natural wonder in Puerto Rico's Camuy River Park.
Puerto de Mazarrón, Spain

Las Salinas of Puerto de Mazarrón

Abandoned tunnels dug for the once-thriving sea salt industry on the coast of southern Spain.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
From Around the Web