A popular walking track to an iconic Dunedin beach will reopen tomorrow in time for the busy summer visitor season after extensive repair work.
The Tunnel Beach walk has been closed since October last year when a major storm caused 10 large slips, making the track impassable.
Department of Conservation coastal Otago operations manager Gabe Davies said the first phase of repair work had focussed on ensuring the track was safe and accessible.
“Tunnel Beach is one of Dunedin’s best short walks providing access to spectacular coastal views within a short drive of the city centre.
“We’re pleased to have it safely reopened in time for summer, giving people another incredible place to go naturing along Dunedin’s epic coastline.”
The completed repair work focussed on removing large amount of slip material, stabilising slip areas above the track, clearing drains and improving the drainage and water management on the track.
A "mammoth" resurfacing of the track was also completed, which involved more than 140 tonnes of gravel being spread and compacted.
The second phase would focus on further infrastructure improvements to manage water on the track as well as installing furniture and interpretation signs.
“We are delighted this popular Dunedin walking track will reopen in time for the busy summer visitor season.
"Many thanks to the Department of Conservation staff for all their work.”
The Green Hut Track group, a volunteer community group, also assisted by delivering 160 hours of work on other Doc tracks around the district, enabling the Doc team to focus on Tunnel Beach.
- Allied Media
