Tunnel
beach

Tunnel Beach is one of Dunedin’s most iconic coastal destinations, renowned for its dramatic sandstone arches, historic hand-carved tunnel, and spectacular ocean views. HGM was proud to partner with Department of Conservation to deliver a significant upgrade to the access track, enhancing both the accessibility and overall visitor experience.

The primary objective was to reduce the steep gradient of the existing track to better align with DOC’s Short Walk standards while creating a safer, more enjoyable journey for visitors. The project also introduced thoughtfully designed rest areas featuring seating and interpretation panels, allowing visitors to pause and appreciate the unique natural environment.

Scope of works:

Upgrading of existing steep walking track to a gentle grade, aligning with DOC short walk standards.
Formation of brand-new sections of walking track
Development of public use areas along the track, which included curved timber edging, concrete foundations for seating, tables, interpretation panels and upcoming artwork installations
Mulching of gorse
Installation of inground timber stairs for ease of access
Implementation of track surface drainage controls and culverts
Finishing the track with fresh gravel

Challenges

A key challenge was completing the project within a tight construction window ahead of the busy summer tourism season while ensuring the track remained safely accessible to the public throughout the works.

HGM’s experienced team of carpenters, operators, and specialist track builders, supported by a modern fleet of construction equipment, enabled multiple work fronts to operate simultaneously. This efficient approach ensured the project was completed safely, on schedule, and to high standards.

Environmental impact was a key focus throughout the project. HGM was able to use their excavator mulcher attachment to mulch down the invasive gorse. Throughout the new track alignment all vegetation was stripped and replaced on the track batters to minimise erosion and encourage revegetation.

Project Outcome

The completed Tunnel Beach Access Track now provides visitors with a safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable journey to one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal landmarks. By combining quality craftsmanship with practical environmental management, HGM delivered a durable infrastructure upgrade that will benefit both visitors and the surrounding landscape for years to come.

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Location

Tunnel Beach access track, Dunedin

Client

Department of Conservation

Date

November/ December 2023

Excavator carrying out walking track construction on a coastal hillside with ocean views and rugged terrain. The image shows civil construction, recreation construction, site preparation and erosion control for safe public access near the shoreline.

Excavation machinery working along a narrow coastal path during walking track construction above the ocean. This recreation construction project includes civil construction, siteworks, erosion control and careful land development on a steep coastal slope.

Earthworks contractors and compact machinery shaping gravel paths and stockpiles for walking track construction near the coast. The image shows civil construction, site preparation, erosion control and recreation construction in a coastal environment.

Finished coastal walking track and lookout area overlooking cliffs, ocean and natural rock formations. The project demonstrates walking track construction, recreation construction, erosion control and civil construction for improved public access.

Completed walking track construction leading down through a coastal valley with fencing, compacted gravel surfacing and stone edging. The image shows recreation construction, erosion control, siteworks and civil construction in a rugged coastal landscape.

Walking track construction forming a compacted gravel path beside a coastal hillside and ocean views. The image shows civil construction, recreation construction, erosion control and site preparation for safe public access in a coastal environment.

Coastal walking track construction with a small compaction machine working on a newly formed gravel path above the shoreline. This civil construction project includes recreation construction, siteworks, erosion control and land development work on exposed coastal terrain.

Finished walking track construction curving along a coastal slope with planting and edge protection beside the path. The project shows recreation construction, erosion control, site preparation and civil construction for improved public access.

Newly completed coastal walking track with compacted gravel surfacing, drainage aggregate and planting along the slope. This civil construction project highlights recreation construction, siteworks, erosion control and careful land development near the ocean.

Wide view of walking track construction on a coastal hillside, with a compacted path and formed viewing area overlooking the sea. The image shows civil construction, recreation construction, erosion control and site preparation in a sensitive coastal landscape.

Completed walking track entrance and coastal path with planting, fencing and compacted gravel surfacing leading towards the ocean. The image demonstrates recreation construction, civil construction, siteworks and erosion control for public access.

Coastal walking track construction with a compaction machine finishing a wide gravel pathway above the shoreline. The project shows civil construction, recreation construction, site preparation and erosion control across a steep coastal site.

Completed coastal walking track beside rocky cliffs and ocean views, with a compacted gravel path and safety fencing. This recreation construction project includes civil construction, erosion control and siteworks to support safe public access.

Coastal walking track construction leading to a lookout area above the sea, with formed pathways and natural rock features. The project shows recreation construction, erosion control, civil construction and site preparation for improved access through coastal terrain.

Completed walking track construction along a rugged coastal landscape, with a stabilised gravel path overlooking sea cliffs and natural rock formations. This civil construction project includes recreation construction, erosion control and coastal construction work for public access.

Coastal walking track construction with a finished gravel path and viewing area above the shoreline. The image shows recreation construction, erosion control, siteworks and civil construction designed to improve safe access through a coastal landscape.

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