Tunnel Hill Historic Reserve

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Marios Gavalas

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Owaka, Southland

Camping near Owaka

Information

1 km return | 20 minutes return

The Catlins Branch line was constructed from 1879 to 1915 as a means of transporting timber (mainly rimu and matai) from the Catlins Forest to the booming gold town of Dunedin. It eventually reached Owaka in 1896 and its terminus in Tahakopa in 1915. This 246-metre long tunnel is the highlight of the infrastructure remaining.

Take a torch.

Walking Track

Access

Tunnel Hill Historic Reserve is signposted on the left, 4.5 km east of Owaka. There’s a large gravel parking bay by the start of the track.

Track

The metalled track leads shortly to the western portal of the 246-metre long tunnel. A torch is useful to keep away the demons in the dark interior. Return via the same track.

European History

The tunnel excavations began in 1891 and 70 men toiled with pick, shovel and barrow for two years to complete the project. David Kirkwood was the first contractor and he didn’t deliver the goods, so the contract was taken over by McFarlane and Fogo. They removed 4,970 cubic metres of rock in the excavations and 593 cubic metres of local brick archwork was erected at each portal. Most labourers were unemployed men from Dunedin and local settlers. They were billeted in a tent camp and had to endure cold winters and muddy conditions.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Location

South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka

Categories

Walking
Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-46.4052858381419

169.69907989502

Latitude
-46.4052858381419
Longitude
169.69907989502

Feature	Value	Info
Track Length	From 500m to 1km Track Length What is the physical length of this track? From 500m to 1km	Track Length What is the physical length of this track? From 500m to 1km
Track Duration	10 to 30mins Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 10 to 30mins 20 minutes return	Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 10 to 30mins 20 minutes return
Track Difficulty	Easy walk Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk Take a torch.	Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk Take a torch.
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.
DOC Track Category	Short walk DOC Track Category What type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required.	DOC Track Category What type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required.
Disabled Access	No disabled access Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.	Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.
Crowd Factor	Lesser Known Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting	Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting
Track Managing Organisation	DOC Managed Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.	Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.