Back
Between the unpredictable waves of the Pacific and the region's salt-ridden air, the sandstone coastline of Dunedin has developed a uniquely sculpted shape of high cliffs, arches and headlands.
One of the most distinctive landmarks is Tunnel Beach, which draws its name from its rounded formation. The tunnel was hand carved through a rock promontory in the 1870s to allow access to a secret sheltered beach at the base of the Dunedin cliffs. Be sure to check out this unique walkway when you're on locum tenens assignment in the country.
To get the most out of your journey, plan your Tunnel Beach walk around low tide. A fenced track will lead you downhill to the spectacular coastline and the awe-inspiring tunnel. If you look closely within the rock, you'll find shell fragments and possibly a fossil of a brachiopod shell, sea urchin or even the bones of an extinct whale species.
With the absence of soil around the tunnel region, unique and enduring plant species such as spleenwort reside at the top of the passage and on the surrounding promontories.