Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 03 September 2025
Tunnel Beach Walk has been closed since October 2024 after a storm caused multiple large slips covering the track.
Acting Operations Manager for Coastal Otago Samantha Marsh says repairs will be done in two phases.
“Firstly, we are focussing on getting the track safely reopened for the summer by removing slip material, restoring the track surface, and opening existing drainage which was covered by the slip. Native planting to help stabilise the area will also get underway.”
After the busy summer season, more work to upgrade the water management on and around the track will be done, along with new seating and interpretation. This work will help protect the track into the future. The track may be closed for periods during this work.
“In the October storm, a single weather event caused multiple slips across the track. To keep people safe and ensure repairs last the distance, we needed a comprehensive engineering solution. This is especially important as we adapt to a changing environment where extreme rainfall events are expected to become more common.”
“From its inception the tunnel beach walk upgrade has been a project worked in collaboration with Ōtākou runaka, the Dunedin City Council, Aukaha, and other stakeholders. We’re looking forward to completing the track and fully realising the vision of the project.
“We know people love this walk, which is close to Dunedin and very scenic, and we thank them for their patience and understanding while a well thought through repair is completed.”
The first phase of repairs is expected to be completed in November.
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