Tatare Tunnels Walk
Tatare Tunnels Walk
4.5
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- The Winded Traveller64 contributionsCome PreparedHike is well marked. The last bit up the tunnel is ok just be aware of the rocks and some are loose. The tunnel had ankle deep water in some parts. Just take flip flops. Water wasn’t too cold either. Take a flashlight too. You get to see glow worms. Pretty neat hike. Took my partner and I about 1.5 hours to do.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 November 2023
- James LLos Angeles, California205 contributionsNot for the claustrophobicIf you are looking for an alternative to walking up toward Franz Josef glacier, this would be a good short hike. It runs uphill alongside a rushing river. The tunnels are only fun if you like hiking in a wet and dark place. There is nothing to actually see in the tunnels but it is interesting to read about the tunnels' history at the entrance.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 December 2023
- WlcbPerth, Australia40 contributionsNice forest walkThis was a really nice walk through the forest and the tunnel was cool to explore. The walk was a bit longer than we expected, took about an hour and a half all up including exploring the tunnels. The water was ankle deep through the tunnel so we walked back with wet feet but still enjoyable.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 July 2024
- weluv2travelSydney77 contributionsWell worth the journey.The hike to the Tartare Tunnels in Franz Josef is quite the trek, but every step was well worth the journey. The hike was challenging, but it was manageable even for our young ones. The surrounding rainforest, the sound of native birds, and the river added to the journey. Reaching the Tartare Tunnels was a moment of triumph for us. The tunnels, carved by pioneer miners, presented a fascinating spectacle. But be warned, bring a very good torch and be prepared to get your feet wet, there was about 5-10cm of water most the way, and although there are some stepping stones, it’s easy to miss a step as the tunnel is pitch black. Inside the tunnel, we were in awe of the effort it would have taken to blast through this rock in such a remote location. In conclusion, the hike to the Tartare Tunnels was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It pushed our limits, taught us about the power of human ingenuity, and left us with unforgettable memories. For families with a sense of adventure, this trek is a must-do when in Franz Josef. It's a challenging journey, but the destination, a testament to human engineering and the rich mining history of the area, is well worth the effort!Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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tworookietravelers
Hokitika, New Zealand19 contributions
Sept 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJandR
Wanaka, New Zealand452 contributions
Sept 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monza71
17 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We really enjoyed this walk through the bush and then through the tunnel at the end. The tunnel is shut at the far end, so the return is back via the same path. There is lovely scenery to look at along the way and the walk is relatively easy, the path does get a bit narrower and steeper further along, but it is easy to navigate. The tunnel does have water in it, about ankle deep, and you will get wet feet so don't wear shoes that you don't want to get wet. Remember to bring a torch also as it is pitch black once you get away from the light from the entrance. You get to see the glow worms in here too so remember to switch your torch off for a look along the way. This walk is really close to the main centre of town, so it is very easy to walk to the start of the trail.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James L
Los Angeles, CA205 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
If you are looking for an alternative to walking up toward Franz Josef glacier, this would be a good short hike. It runs uphill alongside a rushing river. The tunnels are only fun if you like hiking in a wet and dark place. There is nothing to actually see in the tunnels but it is interesting to read about the tunnels' history at the entrance.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wlcb
Perth, Australia40 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
This was a really nice walk through the forest and the tunnel was cool to explore. The walk was a bit longer than we expected, took about an hour and a half all up including exploring the tunnels. The water was ankle deep through the tunnel so we walked back with wet feet but still enjoyable.
Written 8 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwisflythecoop
Te Anau, New Zealand810 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sally d
Glencoe, KY68 contributions
Apr 2023
Did this walk on April 10, 2023. Cold, rainy day. The narrow steep passageways were a bit challenging for me. But I endured and was proud of myself for completing this walk. Did, not however go very far into the tunnel, not having to want my shoes soaked with the stream that's inside. They wouldn't have dried in time for future halks. Beautiful scenery, like all of NZ, worth doing!
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Winded Traveller
64 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Hike is well marked. The last bit up the tunnel is ok just be aware of the rocks and some are loose. The tunnel had ankle deep water in some parts. Just take flip flops. Water wasn’t too cold either. Take a flashlight too. You get to see glow worms. Pretty neat hike. Took my partner and I about 1.5 hours to do.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandomTraveler76
Laurel, MD673 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
This is such a unique walk! If you are in the area you need to do it!
What to expect:
Park in the circle at the end of Cowan. Be careful not to block driveways.
It will take about 30 minutes to get up the well-maintained, sometimes steep path
It's a tunnel that is dark and mysterious. If this will creep you out, take a buddy! I talked to someone that tried to do it alone twice before bringing someone with her! I did it alone just fine. Just don't start thinking about every horror movie you've ever seen before going in. It's a neat experience - don't let that ruin your time there!
Cold water runs through the floor of it. Be prepared to have your feet submerged in ankle-deep water, maybe deeper after a rain.
It's dark. Take a headlamp or flashlight/torch
There are glow worms on the far side of the tunnel! If you want great pics, take a tripod to capture them fully!
It is not a circuit, so you'll spend about 10 mins going to the end of the tunnel, then returning.
Very awesome walk. So different! If you want to learn more you can Google images or check out the government website for the walk.
What to expect:
Park in the circle at the end of Cowan. Be careful not to block driveways.
It will take about 30 minutes to get up the well-maintained, sometimes steep path
It's a tunnel that is dark and mysterious. If this will creep you out, take a buddy! I talked to someone that tried to do it alone twice before bringing someone with her! I did it alone just fine. Just don't start thinking about every horror movie you've ever seen before going in. It's a neat experience - don't let that ruin your time there!
Cold water runs through the floor of it. Be prepared to have your feet submerged in ankle-deep water, maybe deeper after a rain.
It's dark. Take a headlamp or flashlight/torch
There are glow worms on the far side of the tunnel! If you want great pics, take a tripod to capture them fully!
It is not a circuit, so you'll spend about 10 mins going to the end of the tunnel, then returning.
Very awesome walk. So different! If you want to learn more you can Google images or check out the government website for the walk.
Written 30 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VictorLion
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
The glow worms are approx 20min into the walk. You go up and over a rise where their is a distinct change in the decibel level of the creek. From this point on is where the glow worms are. The entire mountain seems to be covered in them.
We actually started our walk 20 min before sunset. It allows you time to reach and walk through the tunnel. You need to walk to the end of the tunnel as it is a great experience. By the time you start heading back it is twilight which allows you see the glow worms.
Try walking back without torches on otherwise you miss everything. There is nothing scary about the walk.
We actually started our walk 20 min before sunset. It allows you time to reach and walk through the tunnel. You need to walk to the end of the tunnel as it is a great experience. By the time you start heading back it is twilight which allows you see the glow worms.
Try walking back without torches on otherwise you miss everything. There is nothing scary about the walk.
Written 1 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your review. We appreciate any feedback received, it is imperative we find out what we could look at improving.
We are glad you could enjoy the Glow worms, they are a small but magnificent. It is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in New Zealand and got to see other equally beautiful DOC tracks around the country.
Kind Regards
The Westland Tai Poutini National Park Team
Written 20 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
Written 28 October 2017
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.
Written 11 November 2017
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