Tunnel Beach Walk
Tunnel Beach Walk
4.5
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- Amy WSeattle, Washington254 contributionsBe prepared for a steep hike backWe were surprised at the steepness of the trail. It was about 1.5km down to the beach (and I mean down). We kept asking ourselves if we were prepared to hike back up. But, we made it down. The tunnel to the beach is cool. The beach itself is rocky and slippery. The views above the beach were spectacular and worth the trek back to the car.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- Alison SMudgee, Australia11 contributionsTunnel beach adventureBreathtaking views and an astonishing beach at the end of the walk. Steep walk and not for everyone. The new path is more accessible but could be said to drag the pain out further. Please don’t get rid of the old track for those of us that prefer our pain hard and sharp but over quickly. Worth the toil back up the hill.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 December 2023
- evets1232016Sydney, Australia417 contributionsWorth the climbIt's an altitude difference of about 150m between the car park and the beach, but the views of the wild cliffs and coastline, and the beauty of the beach itself when you get there, make the climb back to the car park worthwhile. Just be aware access to the beach requires climbing over many large pebbles, and would not be suitable for those with impaired mobility. There are two tracks between the car park and the beach-it's best to choose the longer track with the more gentle gradient on the way back!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 February 2024
- I PWest Sacramento, California14 contributionsTunnel Beach TrekAbsolutely the best excursion of the cruise. This easy Uber to Tunnel Beach was effortless. The well kept path was smooth but very steep. Well worth the walk back to the car park. The views are incredible and fantastic photos. A must do for any visit. A plus for us small bladder 60ish men…there are clean bathrooms before/after trek.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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April N
Christchurch, New Zealand921 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
I am a middle aged, overweight women with a bad knee and I did it but I almost thought I wouldn't. So here you go. It is a steep track down so go slow and pick a fine day otherwise the track will be very slippery. There is now doubt the views are stunning even if you aren't great with heights. The trek back up was slow going and that's ok as you just need to go at your pace. I had to stop 8 times to catch my breath. Only thing I wished I had taken with me was a bottle of water as it was already a warm day, add to that my exertion and it was greatly needed.
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UrbanPixel
Horton-in-Ribblesdale, UK69 contributions
Jan 2020
Blue water to the horizon to be seen from promontory that you can walk out on. Also, we liked green fields. Parking can be taxing as limited spaces and throngs of tourists are everywhere with the teenager of mine driving. Tunnel entrance is also overcrowded.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parsons4
4 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Amazing headlands tower over a little beach alcove with fascinating history. The track is steep but very well formed and a few seats to rest and catch your breath, or enjoy the view. The tunnel steps are narrow, uneven and a bit slippery do take care.Low tide a better experience. A few seals present. Fences and signs warn against walking out along the headland but we're ignored by some people. Our adventurous teens were happy climbing the massive rocks on the beach. Worth a visit in good weather.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bex I
Silverdale, New Zealand206 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The views are stunning and worth the steep, very steep walk! The track from the car park is about 2 m wide and gravel. You need shoes with very good grip for the track and the rocks at the bottom. At the bottom you walk through a tunnel in the rock to the beach. Be careful, some of the large rocks near the beach are a bit wobbly. You should go while the tide is out to get through. Note there are rubbish at the start of the walk however nothing else for the rest of the track. Enjoy - we spent about an hour there.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stevemccully
Christchurch, New Zealand52 contributions
Feb 2020
After a steepish descent you are rewarded with views of impressive cliffs over-looking the great expanse that is the Pacific Ocean. Take time to absorb nature's beauty and the forces that created your vista.
The hand-hewn tunnel to the beach is equally impressive.
Being so close to Dunedin makes it very accessible with the consequential impact on parking, so I'd advise an early morning or late afternoon visit.
The hand-hewn tunnel to the beach is equally impressive.
Being so close to Dunedin makes it very accessible with the consequential impact on parking, so I'd advise an early morning or late afternoon visit.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna
43 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
There is a swanky carpark, with parking for 50 -100 cars. There is a lovely new set of toilets. There is also a new, wide, but still steep track which winds down the hillside to the tunnel and the beach beyond. The tunnel is fun but you exit onto quite a narrow ledge, where we had to wait and negotiate with people reurning back up. The beach is pretty much nonexistent. There are spectacular cliffs, true, but large ankle breaking rocks hinder your efforts to find sand.
Worse were the crowds. It was an ordinary day, with ordinary weather but at least 200 people on the track at any one time.
Most horrible of all was the number of people ignoring the barrier, and walking out onto the headland in inappropriate footwear, carrying children and toddlers, and taking selfies right at the edge. My heart was in my mouth at the behaviour. It is not safe out there, folks, be careful.
Oh, and a very steep climb back!
Worse were the crowds. It was an ordinary day, with ordinary weather but at least 200 people on the track at any one time.
Most horrible of all was the number of people ignoring the barrier, and walking out onto the headland in inappropriate footwear, carrying children and toddlers, and taking selfies right at the edge. My heart was in my mouth at the behaviour. It is not safe out there, folks, be careful.
Oh, and a very steep climb back!
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alipa50
Wellington, New Zealand1,630 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Beautiful short stroll to this unique beach. It’s all downhill on the way there and a steep uphill stroll for about 20 mins return. Views all the way on a wide well maintained tracks suitable for all abilities.
Written 16 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JedAfterthought
Levin, New Zealand265 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
This is a fantastic track to an extraordinary coast but you must be prepared for a long hard slog back up the hill. We walked in drizzle and still loved it. Amazing weathered rock formations at the end of the steep descent. Time your visit for close to low tide if you want to go right down to the beach: but it is still stunning if the tide is unsuitable.
Written 3 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cjbenck
Perth, Australia196 contributions
Jul 2022
We researched this place and looked at the tides before going and timed it right for the visit.
This walk must be done with GOOD footwear and on a day where the weather isn't raining and too windy.
The walk down is on compacted clay paths - these would be super slippery when wet as there is no steps. The slope made my legs hurt more on the way down trying not to slip than on the way back up.
The views are amazing and the wind that comes off the ocean is very strong. Dress for the cold.
The tunnel has steps cut into the limestone which are small and wet - take it slow walking up and down.
Its a great place to walk to - worth the workout to get there. Walking back up was a big cardio workout and I am so happy we took water and asthma medication.
Considering we aren't super fit still went up and back in 1 hour.
This walk must be done with GOOD footwear and on a day where the weather isn't raining and too windy.
The walk down is on compacted clay paths - these would be super slippery when wet as there is no steps. The slope made my legs hurt more on the way down trying not to slip than on the way back up.
The views are amazing and the wind that comes off the ocean is very strong. Dress for the cold.
The tunnel has steps cut into the limestone which are small and wet - take it slow walking up and down.
Its a great place to walk to - worth the workout to get there. Walking back up was a big cardio workout and I am so happy we took water and asthma medication.
Considering we aren't super fit still went up and back in 1 hour.
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
817sandramp
Adelaide, Australia305 contributions
Mar 2023
The walk down to the "tunnel" was steep and slippery, due to rain the previous night. It took us about half an hour to walk from where we'd parked the RV (and there wasn't much in the way of parking) to the clifftops where the tunnel begins. It looked like work was being done to provide more carparking at the top of the track. The tunnel itself was interesting and clambering down on to the "beach" and up onto some rocks was challenging.
Written 9 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have a 2 year old but I would still like to do this. Has anyone done this with a toddler before or would it be too hard for them. Thanks
Written 11 October 2018
I agree with the other answer. It’s very steep for adults so a pushchair might be a good idea unless you want to carry them most of the way up or down. It’s also quite far down to the bottom
Written 20 October 2018
Wondered if anyone could tell me is this stroller/pushchair friendly
Thanks
Written 25 February 2018
Definitely not! Ok to go down but very steep and uneven surface and you would need to be SUPER fit to push back up. Hard enough to walk up by yourself!
Written 26 February 2018
Wondered if anyone could tell me is this stroller/pushchair friendly
Thanks
Written 25 February 2018
For some parts of the track yes - If you have 4WD robust buggy you could... but it is gravelly and could be slippery in wet conditions ... also you won’t be able to get down the stairs at the end and it is sort of narrow
Written 27 February 2018
is there any public transportation from city center of dunedin to tunnel beach? if not, how much cost to take taxi ( round trip)? any input, appreciate it.
Written 15 January 2017
Monday through Friday days, catch the Corstorphine bus, getting off on the last stop on Middleton Road near Milford Street), then walk about 15 minutes to the start of the track.
We're not allowed to included URLs here, so just google "Dunedin bus schedule pdf" (see Routes 32 &33 on pages 70 though 71).
Written 18 March 2017
How do you get there from Ha`ena Beach Park ? Is there a specific name for this place ?
Written 5 October 2016
How do you get there from Ha`ena Beach Park ? Is there a specific name for this place ?
Written 5 October 2016
How can I get there from the cruise port
Written 24 June 2016
It's a reasonable taxi ride. There is no simple way from Port Chalmers. Perhaps see if a tourist bus operator goes there.
Written 4 January 2017
I read somewhere that this beach has a seasonal closure from beg of August to 31 October each year - is that true? Was planning to visit when I'm in Dunedin in October this year..
Written 17 March 2016
dale205
Melbourne, Australia
Curios to know why this is listed as an activity rather than under nature and parks?
Written 7 February 2015
Because it's a walking track. The track itself is maintained by the Dept. of Conservation, but the area around it is privately owned, not a publically owned park or nature reserve.
Written 16 March 2015
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