Tunnel Beach Track — Dunedin

Elevation profile

How long it takes

Easy pace (7:00/km)

24 min

Steady pace (6:00/km)

21 min

Quick pace (5:00/km)

19 min

An estimate: the pace on flat ground, plus a little extra time for every metre you climb. Work out your own pace with the pace calculator.

The run

A short 2.5 km out-and-back from the Tunnel Beach car park down through farmland to the sandstone headland, its arch and the hand-carved tunnel to the beach. It is all downhill on the way out and a steady 120 m climb back up, which makes it a good set of hill repeats with one of the most striking coastal views near Dunedin.

Good to know

The track crosses private farmland: stay on it and leave stock alone. The council locks the car park at night (8am to 9pm from September to March, 9am to 5pm from April to August). The beach is only safe for about two hours either side of low tide, and the tunnel is dark with slippery steps. The track was closed for storm repairs in 2024 and 2025, so check DOC's page for its status before you go.

• Parking: Free
• Best time: Early AM