Â鶹APP

Tunnel Beach, close to Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo By Ingolfson –

Top 10 Unknown Facts about Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach is found in Dunedin, New Zealand south of St Clair. Dunedin is the second largest city on South Island. It is known as New Zealand’s little piece of Scottish Heritage.

The tunnel beach walking track begins from a height of 150m, a few metres from Blackhead Road, and winds 1200m to the top of the tunnel close. The beach is surrounded by Dunedin Landmarks such as Cargill’s castle and Otago Castle.

Tourists can access the beach through the DOC (Department of Conversation) Reserve. The crescent-shaped beach is open throughout the year.

The main access road to tunnel beach is through Blackhead Road and Tunnel Beach Road. For public transport, one takes a bus or taxi that will drop you off at the end of Middleton Road. From here it takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes by foot to reach the trail leading towards the beach i.e Tunnel Beach track.

The walking track is steep so comfortable walking shoes are advised. During rainy weather, one has to proceed with caution as the steps leading to the tunnel get quite slippery.

1. The Man-Made Tunnel Was A Father’s Gift To His Daughters’

The Cargill family were descendants of the eminent Otago settlers. William Cargill had 8 sons including John Cargill. In 1870, John Cargill had the tunnel built as a gift to his daughters. He wanted a private bathing spot where his daughters would protect their modesty.

The tunnel was made by cutting into a cliff that was 60 m high.  In 1884, John Cargill eventually left Dunedin due to financial losses and never returned.

2. The Beach Was Named After The Artificial Tunnel

Collage of the tunnel at Tunnel Beach, Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo By Ingolfson –

Tunnel Beach was named so because it is only accessible through a sloping man-made tunnel. This tunnel was supervised by Francis Petre, a young architect, under the instructions of Captain William Cargill. The architect was also responsible for designing the Cargill Castle.

At first, one is not able to distinguish the nature of the beach until reaching the tunnel. It is well tucked in as the entrance is narrow and framed by hebe plant. The curve marking of the tools used during the construction of the hand-made tunnel is visible to date.

3. It Was A Private Beach Until 1983

In 1870, Captain William Cargill commissioned the tunnel beach so that his family could spend time enjoying the tropical water. The tunnel was officially made public in 1983 and steps were added to make the steep slope an easy climb.

The vegetation on the headland at the beach is unique, fragile, and critically endangered. It is protected by a barrier to avoid human influence. Tourists are advised not to cross the barriers while taking pictures to ensure the native plants are not damaged.

4. The High Cliffs on The Beach Got Their Unique Shapes From The Rough Sea Storms

Rocky coastline. Photo By Gordon Hatton –

The tunnel beach is filled with dramatically-shaped cliffs made of sandstone, rock arches, and caves. The grand high cliffs are a result of the constant sea storms and salty winds.

Once on the cliff, one can see stunning views of the Southern Ocean whose rough waves crash against the rocky coastline. The tunnel beach is hidden from sight by the cliffs which rise 150 m above the waves and is accessible only through the tunnel.

5. Tunnel Beach and Cargill’s Castle Were Valuable Possessions of the Cargill Family

Front view of Cargill’s Castle. Photo By Schwede66 –

Several kilometers north of Tunnel Beach lies the ruins of Cargill Castle. It is one of the 10 existing castles in New Zealand. The castle, now in ruins, overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

The castle was built for Edward Bowes Cargill, William Cargill’s eighth child. It was sold to several owners after Cargill’s death and became a cabaret in the 1930s.

The Italianate mansion was built in the late 19^th Century and was known as The Cliffs. The castle burnt down in a fire in 1892 and was partially restored by Cargill. Today, the remnants of the castle are not accessible to the public.

6. Tunnel Beach Track is A Popular Walking Excursion

Tunnel Beach, close to Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo By Ingolfson –

The walking track is the most common way tourists explore this beach. It takes approximately 1 hour to complete the track. The zig-zag path passes through private farmland that allows access to tourists.

The track is great for hiking and can accommodate both adults and children.  Benches are strategically placed along the way so that one can take a rest in case the walk gets tiring.

The beach is not accessible during the high tides and swimming is prohibited as it can be dangerous.

7. Tunnel Beach is One of Dunedin’s Landmarks

Dunedin has various landmarks each with its own historical significance. The Tunnel Beach, Cargills Castle, and Otago Castle are major landmarks and were all part of the history of the Cargill family.

St. Clair Beach and Saint Kilda are the nearest beaches with a distance of 2.7 km and 4.I km respectively.

8. Tunnel Beach is Part of The Environmentally Conserved Spaces

Despite Dunedin being a developed town, it has maintained conservation by catering to green open spaces. Island Park Recreation Reserve is found on the South West side of Tunnel Beach. It is majorly a walking track and drive-through reserve.  

St. Clair Golf Course is North East of Tunnel beach. It lies on the cliffs above St. Clair beach. It has one of the most challenging golf courses in New Zealand and has hosted national golf tournaments and players.

Other small parks in the North include the Green Island Reserve and Shand Park.

9. The Beach Has a Giant Sea Arch

Tunnel Beach Arch, New Zealand. Photo By Mariakko –

The rock structures on the beach are the furtherest thing from boring. The sea arch at the beach is enormous and is a passage way for the ocean water. The top surface of arch is a common view point for tourist.

10. Local Legends Claim Cargill’s Daughters Drowned on Tunnel Beach 

Legends of Dunedin claim that Cargill’s teenage daughter drowned while celebrating her birthday. Others says it was not only one, but two of John’s daughters that succumbed to their death on the beach.

 Though there is no tangible proof, the story is quite believable because Southern Ocean waves are rough.