Tunnel Beach is a must-see on a visit to Dunedin. It is to the south of the city, between Blackhead and St Clair. The access is signposted on Blackhead Road, and there are several ways to get there, so check a map app. But it is only about 10 minutes from downtown.
From the car park, it’s a steep walk down to the cliffs around Tunnel Beach and the large natural arch. Walk out onto the top of the arch for superb coastal views.
The man-made tunnel the beach is named for was built by local landowner James Cargill in the 1870s to allow his daughters to reach the beach below the cliffs. Walk down the tunnel to the particularly pretty beach, surrounded by cliffs with waterfalls when wet. You may also see the odd seal. It is a truly spectacular place.
