The 90 feet long tunnel was built in 1926 by the Rosenberg family, who owned a resort at Oceanside, to let guests access more of the coast shore.
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Named one of the most romantic spots in Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is most recognisable by it's manmade tunnel built in the 1870s by John Cargill, the passage was created in order for his family to enjoy time at the beach away from onlookers at St Clair.
You can go swimming or snorkeling, hike along some trails, or even rent a paddleboard for a tour of the area. If you like to fish, there are plenty of opportunities here. Fishing can also be gratifying at this beach because it is surrounded by a reef system that provides food for many different types of marine life.
Tunnels is too dangerous to swim during the winter when large waves pound the north shore. We recommend arriving early to find a spot. Don't leave it to the last minute if you want a prime location at the beach.
The wide sand beach offers the easiest entrance into the water. Don't attempt to enter the shallow areas where there are rocks and reef that come all the way up to the beach edge. Large and small Lava tubes form the many underwater caverns give Tunnels it's name as well as a magical underwater world to explore.
It's said that Tunnels Beach has the best snorkeling on the island which means it is a perfect beach for the “in-between” family that has both older kids who want to experience sea life and underwater caverns and younger children who will be happier playing in the sand and shallow, docile waves.
Safety PrecautionsWhile Tunnels Beach is a snorkeler's delight, it's essential to be mindful of the conditions. The winter months bring large surf and strong currents to the north shore, which can be hazardous for inexperienced swimmers and snorkelers.