Tatare Tunnels Walk
Tatare Tunnels Walk, Franz Josef: Address, Phone Number, Tatare Tunnels Walk Reviews: 4.5/5
Tatare Tunnels Walk
Tatare Tunnels Walk
4.5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Scenic Walking Areas
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About
After 10 minutes walk on a four wheel drive road, the track climbs gently then drops to a view of the scenic Tatare Gorge. The track then becomes steep and narrow for the short climb to the Tatare Tunnels. If you wish to explore the tunnels you will need a torch and a raincoat, and you may get wet feet – the water will be ankle deep. The track stops at the old wooden flume at the end of the first tunnel. Know before you go •Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
113 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
52
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kiwisflythecoop
Te Anau, New Zealand757 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Nice walk to the tunnels with a sign board explaining the history of why they were created. Tunnels are an adventure as well, especially the work that was put in to create.
Take a torch and change of footwear or gumboots.
Only pity is DOC haven’t done the repairs to the flume at the end.
Take a torch and change of footwear or gumboots.
Only pity is DOC haven’t done the repairs to the flume at the end.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ed R
Blenheim, New Zealand735 contributions
Jan 2022
After a steady climb which seems to go on for a long time you suddenly go up very steeply and in parts it is quite narrow. It is not easy and 1 hour 20 minutes return is the super-fit athlete time, not your average joe time.
It's a tiring walk up. Tip - just before the last climb there is a little waterfall coming down by the side of the track - a great place to stick your head under to coll off if it is hot!
The tunnel itself is very interesting. You need a decent torch and when we went the water deep enough to get you very wet feet so have boots or a towel and a change with you.
It's a tiring walk up. Tip - just before the last climb there is a little waterfall coming down by the side of the track - a great place to stick your head under to coll off if it is hot!
The tunnel itself is very interesting. You need a decent torch and when we went the water deep enough to get you very wet feet so have boots or a towel and a change with you.
Written 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alaine Paris
Gold Coast, Australia6 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Cool walk into the old tunnels, saw a few glowworms. Easy trail walk through rainforest. bring torches and gumboots or waterproof shoes
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew W
Culverden, null, New Zealand30 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Took us 40 minutes to walk into the tunnel entrance,
The last section is a narrow gravel walkers track that is up and down the hills,
We walked 200meters into the tunnel (with no end in sight) in 100mm deep water most of the way, got back out and google says the tunnel is 500meters long...
Cool tunnel about 1-1.5m wide and 2 meters high
The last section is a narrow gravel walkers track that is up and down the hills,
We walked 200meters into the tunnel (with no end in sight) in 100mm deep water most of the way, got back out and google says the tunnel is 500meters long...
Cool tunnel about 1-1.5m wide and 2 meters high
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mechelle M
Lower Hutt, New Zealand302 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
The reviews were misleading. The sign board said it was 1 hr 20min return walk so we set off. It was a stony wide track initially with slopes up and down. However then we came to a rather narrow steep tricky zig zag track about 45 minutes in which I was unable to navigate at all. My husband did go up and eventually got to the tunnels which were shin deep with water and ? Bats, but he got good photos. This track is great for younger people who can traverse the steep zip zag part of the track, but for me in my 50s with a bit of arthritis in my knees I came to an impasse and could not make the full trip. Beautiful scenery along the way however
Written 27 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Superpear
Ashburton, New Zealand1,341 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
The walk starts from within Franz Josef and is a gradual climb along a 4 wheel drive track. About 2/3 of the walk is along vehicle tracks and only the last 1/3 is a walkers track. Great views over the river and then you arrive at the tunnels.
To properly enjoy the tunnels, bring a torch and gum boots, or be prepared to go in barefoot. The water runs about 100mm deep from wall to wall so there is only so much wall climbing you can do. But this is a really fun part of the walk and you need to go into the tunnel even if our is only for a 100m or so.
To properly enjoy the tunnels, bring a torch and gum boots, or be prepared to go in barefoot. The water runs about 100mm deep from wall to wall so there is only so much wall climbing you can do. But this is a really fun part of the walk and you need to go into the tunnel even if our is only for a 100m or so.
Written 12 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DJandR
Wanaka, New Zealand449 contributions
Sep 2020
We had been told about the walk by friends so came prepared with torches and gumboots. The track is a times challenging with fallen trees etc you need to be shore footed in places, but all in all a great track. We entered the tunnel and walked into the dark quiet an experience. Once you turn your torches off there are glow worms. A great half day experiencex.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tworookietravelers
Hokitika, New Zealand19 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
We did this walk yesterday and the track was a bit rough with parts being narrow and steep with a long drop below. I would not recommend to take kids on this walk or anyone that is not fully stable on their feet.
The tunnel was very good, but make sure you are prepared for wet feet and take a torch with you or at least a cell phone.
Unfortunately the other end of the tunnel was barred off with a small sign saying it was unsafe to go past this area.
There were also a couple of tress fallen over the track with one easy to get past but the other was quite dangerous.
The tunnel was very good, but make sure you are prepared for wet feet and take a torch with you or at least a cell phone.
Unfortunately the other end of the tunnel was barred off with a small sign saying it was unsafe to go past this area.
There were also a couple of tress fallen over the track with one easy to get past but the other was quite dangerous.
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kirsty M
18 contributions
Sep 2020
I had read about this walk briefly online but I was reminded about it when we arrived as it was on the local map we were given upon check in to our hotel.
Make sure you are equipped with a torch (or two so you have a spare), walking boots or gumboots and clothes you dont mind getting a little wet.
We were short on time so we didn't walk the full tunnel but thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent there, you can see glow worms on the tunnel wall!
Make sure you are equipped with a torch (or two so you have a spare), walking boots or gumboots and clothes you dont mind getting a little wet.
We were short on time so we didn't walk the full tunnel but thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent there, you can see glow worms on the tunnel wall!
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fenton
10 contributions
Jul 2020
We loved this walk! It's a beautiful hike up to the tunnel and exploring the tunnel was great fun. Remember a light as it is pitch black, and the water is cold, but, if you embrace it and accept that your feet are wet you'll have a great time.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JodyOPhotography
Brisbane, Australia31 contributions
Hi There, Can anyone tell me roughly how long we should allow to do the tunnel walk at Franz Josef Glacier? We will be traveling from Hokitika to Lake Wanaka and hoping to stop on the way through.
Xjapie
Franz Josef, New Zealand69 contributions
Depends on how quickly you negotiate the slippery surface and how much time you want to search for wetas and glow worms while in the tunnel. I would suggest you plan on not less that 1.5 hours. The DOC brochure says 1hr 20 mins - it is only 3.6kms return.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tatare Tunnels Walk
- Hotels near Tatare Tunnels Walk:
- (0.02 km) Central Franz Josef Cabins And Flats
- (0.03 km) 10 Cottages
- (0.03 km) Franz Joseph Holiday Rentals
- (0.04 km) The Terrace, Franz Josef Glacier
- (0.18 km) Rainforest Retreat
- Restaurants near Tatare Tunnels Walk:
- (0.01 km) Alice May
- (0.11 km) Snake Bite Brewery
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- (0.19 km) Monsoon Bar & Restaurant
- (0.16 km) Full Of Beans