There are heaps of iconic spots to visit in the Catlins, but there are also some lesser-known places you’ll pass by on the way to them. Tunnel Hill is one of those places. Not somewhere you’d plan a trip to exclusively, but a worthwhile stop on the Catlins tourist trail all the same. Keep reading to find out more about the Tunnel Hill Track as well as some of the best places to see nearby.

The Tunnel Hill Track is located right by the side of the main road – just park up and you’ll easily see the track. It’s located a few kilometers north of Owaka, so if you’re traveling north to south it’ll be one of the first places you visit (after Nugget Point).

The Tunnel Hill Track is short and ideal for families. It should take around 20 minutes to go to the end and back, and it’s not a challenging walk. The first little bit takes you through the forest, and you’ll soon reach the feature which gives this place its name. You guessed it, it’s a tunnel. This tunnel dates back to the 1800s and is a pretty interesting place to walk through. Bring a torch (I’m guessing you’ll at least have a phone) as it gets dark in there.

Once you’ve walked through the tunnel there isn’t a lot else to do but turn around and walk back. There’s not too much else to say about Tunnel Hill – it’s a diversion from the main reason you’re visiting the Catlins (beaches, viewpoints, waterfalls, walks, lighthouses, wildlife) and I’d particularly recommend it if you’re traveling with kids – they seem to love things like this!