Stage One Chain Hills Open
DCC PRESS RELEASE
First section of historic tunnel trail now open
Dunedin (Friday, 19 December 2025) – The first section of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail – including a trip through the historic Chain Hills tunnel – is now open for people to enjoy.
The 1.5km section of trail runs from Gladstone Road North along a disused rail alignment, through regenerating native bush and the historic Chain Hills Tunnel, before stopping a few hundred metres beyond the tunnel.
The section, which opened at the weekend, allows pedestrians and cyclists to make a return trip through the illuminated tunnel before returning to Gladstone Road North.
Work on the first stage began in June and was supported by the Dunedin City Council, which provided $1.8 million in funding, and delivered by the Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust (DTTT).
Mayor of Dunedin Sophie Barker says, “We’re delighted to see the first stage is now open for people to enjoy. The trip through the tunnel will be a highlight for young and old, providing a family-friendly short walk or ride and a great new tourism asset for Ōtepoti Dunedin.”
Trust Chairperson Brent Irving says, “This project has been many years in the making and we couldn’t be happier to reach this important milestone. It’s a joy to see people now experiencing the first section of this trail, including the tunnel, and get a better idea of the project’s potential.
“The goal remains to eventually extend the trail through to Dunedin, providing a fantastic scenic and safe route from the city to the Taieri for commuting and recreational riders and walkers to enjoy.
“Over time, the trail will link with others in our region, connecting Queenstown right through to Dunedin City and up the coast with various other Trusts and groups working on different sections. Dunedin will become part of the hugely successful Shared Path Cycleway network across the region and the country.”
Work on stage one involved construction of an unsealed trail, drainage works, fencing, installation of seats, plantings, handrails, some retaining and signs, as well as new lighting through the tunnel itself.
The trust has also received a further funding grant of $2 million from the government, which will go towards delivering future stages of the project, and the DCC continues to work with the trust to support its delivery of the project which includes enabling safe access to the Caversham tunnel.
DCC Project Director – Major Projects and Central City Plan Dr Glen Hazelton says, “In the meantime, we also want to thank the neighbours and landowners for their support and patience during construction. We ask everyone using the trail to do so with care for the environment, and not to trespass on private property or the rail corridor.
“Please enjoy this new trail and treat it – and its neighbours – with respect, to help us in future negotiations to get this amazing asset fully open.”
