Tunnel Beach

The trailhead to Tunnel Beach is about a five minute drive from our flat. It was a beautiful hike down the steep path to where this amazing experience awaited us. The tunnel was built in 1870 by John Cargill so that his family could enjoy the secluded beach surrounded by steep cliffs.

The views on the way down are spectacular.

Several unique formations awaited us at the bottom. The waves roaring through this tunnel would make a great soundtrack.

There are so many different vistas to enjoy along the Southland coastline.

This is the entrance to the tunnel down to the beach.

We had to watch our heads as we descended. Notice the steps carved into the tunnel bottom.

One important part of planning your trip down to the beach is to know when low tide is.

This is what greets you at low tide. If you time your trip at high tide you will miss out on the beach. We have a photo taken from the outlook where those two people are standing later in the photos.

The steep walls surrounding the beach provide for more unique views.

We can imagine the Cargill children having a fun-filled afternoon playing among the rock formations.

Waves try to conceal a far-off rock formation.

Now when did we go on this outing?

Tunnel Beach as seen from above.

Only drawback..... he who hikes down, must hike back up!!