Tunnel Beach is hands down one of the most jaw-dropping places I visited on New Zealand’s South Island. Located just outside of Dunedin, this spot feels like it belongs in a fantasy film. Think towering sandstone cliffs, crashing waves, sea arches, and a secret tunnel carved by hand into the rock. Yep, it’s as cool as it sounds.

This guide has everything you need to know about how to get there, what to expect, and a few things I wish I’d known before I went.

What Makes Tunnel Beach So Special?

Tunnel Beach isn’t your typical sunny-day, towel-down, swim-in-the-surf kind of beach. It’s wild. It’s rugged. It’s dramatic. And the tunnel that gives the place its name? It was literally hand-carved through the sandstone in the 1870s by a local politician, John Cargill (son of Captain William Cargill), so his family could access the beach privately.

There’s even a bit of local legend around the place. Some people say one of Cargill’s daughters drowned here, but that story isn’t actually true. Just one of those eerie tales that sticks around and adds to the mystery of the place.

The tunnel itself is about 72 steps deep and dimly lit by natural light, with rough, fossil-filled walls that honestly make it feel like you’re walking through time. On the other side? A beach that looks like it’s been untouched for centuries, surrounded by sheer cliffs and moody waves.

How to Get to Tunnel Beach

By Car

Tunnel Beach is super close to Dunedin. Just an 11-minute drive south from the city centre. If you’ve got a hire car, it’s an easy trip. Just head down Blackhead Road, take the signposted turnoff to Tunnel Beach Road, and you’ll find a large car park at the top of the walking track. There’s usually plenty of parking, even though it’s a popular spot.

By Public Transport (Yes, It’s Possible!)

I didn’t have a car when I visited, and I’m here to tell you, it’s 100% doable without one!

You can take one of the Orbus services, either bus 33 or 50, to the end of the route. From there, it’s about a 25-minute walk to the Tunnel Beach car park. It’s a bit of a trek but nothing too crazy, and you get to see some pretty classic Kiwi countryside on the way (check out all the sheep in the photo above, you can’t get more Kiwi than that!).

If you’re travelling around the South Island, chances are you already have a Bee Card, which works across the Otago region. With the card, your fare will only cost $2 (or $3 if you’re paying cash). If you’re only in town briefly and not planning on using public transport much, you might not need the card, but if you’re hopping around Dunedin, it’s super handy to have.

Uber or Taxi

If you want to skip the walking and don’t mind spending a bit more, you can catch a taxi or Uber from Dunedin city centre. It’ll cost around $25 NZD one way, so definitely pricier than the bus, but much more convenient, especially if you’re short on time or energy.

The Walk Down to Tunnel Beach

From the car park, the walk down to Tunnel Beach is around 1.2 km each way, and while that doesn’t sound long, it’s a very steep descent, and an even steeper climb back up. I had jelly legs most of the way down and was seriously huffing and puffing on the way back up.

That said, it’s completely worth it. The path itself is a wide gravel trail that winds through rolling green paddocks, with the coastline slowly revealing itself as you walk. You’ll get stunning views of the sandstone cliffs, crashing waves, and sea arches the entire way, so take your time and soak it all in.

Once you reach the bottom, there’s a big open grassed area where you can pause and just take it all in. From there, head through the tunnel. It’s cool and quiet inside, with natural light filtering through just enough to see the steps (though I did use my phone torch just to be safe).

When you pop out the other side, you’re on a secluded little beach with towering cliffs all around you. The waves are intense, the rocks are wild, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a New Zealand sea lion (pakake) chilling on the sand. Just remember to give them space, they’re wild animals and can be unpredictable.

Things to Know Before You Go

This is not a swimming beach. The currents are strong, the waves are rough, and the beach is rocky, so please don’t go for a swim, no matter how tempting it looks.

Watch your footing. The path is gravel but can be slippery and muddy after rain. Wear proper shoes, especially if it’s been wet.

Don’t climb out onto the rocky outcrops. You’ll see people doing it for a good photo, but it’s not recommended. There are warning signs for a reason, it’s dangerous and unstable.

Respect the wildlife. If you see a sea lion, admire it from a distance. Seriously, don’t try to touch it or take a close-up selfie. They’re cute but not cuddly.

Check the opening. There is occasionally closures of the walk down to tunnel beach due to dangerous conditions. To avoid dissapointment, I suggest checking the NZ Department Of Conservation website before you go to get the latest information.

Facilities at Tunnel Beach

Toilets: There’s a decent toilet block right next to the car park. Go before you start walking, there’s nothing down at the beach, and once you’re there, you won’t want to come back up anytime soon.

Rest areas: Along the track there are a couple of resting spots, including one picnic table. Handy if you need a break going up or down (which, trust me, you might).

Track condition: The path is wide and fairly smooth, but again, can be slippery after rain. It’s a good idea to wear hiking shoes or at least solid sneakers.

Need a Shorter Walk Option?

If you don’t feel like doing the full walk, there’s a shorter track to the Nest 1 viewpoint that still gives you those epic coastal views.

• Distance: 600 m return
• Time: Around 10 minutes return
• What you’ll see: Views of the coastline, sandstone cliffs, and Pā Harakeke, a flax garden showcasing traditional weaving plants and their uses.

It’s a great alternative if you’re pressed for time or energy, or if the weather turns sketchy.

Final Thoughts

Tunnel Beach isn’t just a cool walk or a nice viewpoint, it’s one of those places that really sticks with you. From the raw beauty of the cliffs to the history of the tunnel and the peaceful, powerful vibe of the beach itself, it’s a must-see if you’re anywhere near Dunedin.

It might take a little effort to get there, but I promise, it’s so worth it.

Let me know if you end up going, or if you’ve got questions about how to do it without a car. I’m always happy to help fellow travellers make the most of their time in NZ!