Tunnel Beach, located just 15 minutes south of Dunedin on New Zealand’s southeast coast, is another one of those cool spots you can visit as you travel around the South Island. We were headed to the seaport town of Bluff on the southernmost tip of the island so a two-hour break from driving to check out Tunnel Beach was welcomed. A few minutes off the main Highway 1 and we’re there. It was still early morning and even though parking was limited, we were able to find room for our campervan as there weren’t many people around. We took the short 2 km walk down a fairly steep path with lookout points where we were able to enjoy the views of the rocky coastline.

At the end of the track, and slightly hidden, you’ll find the entrance to the hand carved tunnel with 72 steps that leads to the secluded beach. The tunnel, built in the 1870’s, was a bit dark and slippery but not much to worry about. Local legend has it that a wealthy sheep farmer who resided nearby, had the tunnel constructed so his daughters could have their own private beach.

As you exit the tunnel and clamber over some rocks, you’re finally on this beautiful little beach that’s nicely tucked away with between massive cliffs and giant boulders. The tide was low when we visited so we were able to explore the beach. At high tide, access is limited or not at all.