Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk (Hokitika)

Loop

While Tunnel no. 1 (closest to the main carpark) is currently closed due to rockfall, Tunnel no. 2 is very much open for business. Located just a short 100-metre stroll further along the road, this tunnel serves as your gateway into the loop. It’s a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike to venture into the dark, feeling the temperature drop and hearing the echoes of your own footsteps.

Once you emerge from the tunnel, keep an eye out for the hand-stacked tailings. These are piles of rocks left behind by miners who used high-pressure water (sluicing) to wash away the hillsides in search of gold. Seeing these moss-covered rock stacks up close gives you a tangible sense of the "hard graft" and sheer physical labour that shaped this region.

If you happen to visit at dusk or after dark, the tunnels and the sheltered embankments along the track often host small colonies of glowworms. It turns a historical walk into a magical light show, though you’ll definitely need a good torch to navigate safely!

Getting There

Finding the Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk is straightforward, making it a great addition to a day trip to Lake Kaniere or the Hokitika Gorge.

From Hokitika, head north on State Highway 6 for about 15 kilometres. You’ll then turn onto Stafford Loop Road. There is a well-signposted carpark available right on Stafford Loop Road.

Pro Tip: Because Tunnel no. 1 is currently closed, don't be confused when you see the barriers at the first entrance. Simply walk about 100 metres east (further along the road) from the carpark to find the clearly marked entrance for Tunnel no. 2. This will lead you onto the loop in the opposite direction, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the scenery.

Wildlife Spotting

The West Coast is a haven for native birdlife, and the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve is no exception. As you meander through the kamahi and rimu forest, keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like calls of the Bellbird (korimako) and the iconic, multi-toned song of the Tūī. These birds are common year-round and are often seen flitting through the high canopy.

The Fantail (pīwakawaka) is almost guaranteed to make an appearance. These cheeky little birds love to follow hikers, darting around your feet to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps.

If you look toward the mid-canopy, you might spot the South Island Tomtit (ngirungiru) with its distinct black head and white breast. For those with a keen eye, the large, heavy Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) can occasionally be seen perched on branches, looking somewhat clumsy but magnificent with its iridescent green and purple feathers.

At dusk, listen for the haunting "more-pork" call of the Ruru, New Zealand's only surviving native owl. They are masters of camouflage, but their distinctive call is a classic soundtrack to a West Coast evening.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk is truly a year-round destination. Unlike the high-alpine tracks of the Southern Alps, this low-elevation bush walk is accessible even in the depths of winter.

• Spring & Summer: The forest is at its most vibrant, and the shade of the canopy provides a welcome relief from the sun. This is also the best time for bird activity.
• Autumn & Winter: The West Coast is famous for its rain, and honestly, this walk is beautiful in the wet. The mosses turn a brilliant emerald green, and the mist hanging in the trees adds to the "lost world" atmosphere.
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for the best light through the trees, or late evening if you want to try and spot glowworms.
• What to Bring:

Local & Regional Context

The area around Hokitika and Lake Kaniere is steeped in both Māori and colonial history. For Māori, this region was part of the vital pounamu (greenstone) trails, where the precious stone was gathered from the riverbeds and transported across the mountains.

The Tunnel Terrace specifically reflects the 1860s gold rush era. Unlike the deep quartz mining found elsewhere, the West Coast was famous for alluvial mining. Miners built incredible networks of water races and tailraces to move vast amounts of water to wash the gold out of the gravel terraces. The tunnels you walk through today are remnants of this massive engineering feat.

Today, the area is part of the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). It serves as an important remnant of the vast podocarp forests that once covered the entire coast, offering a sanctuary for species that have disappeared from other parts of New Zealand.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your loop and stepped back into the 21st century, you’ll likely be ready for a treat.

Drive 15 minutes back into Hokitika, a town famous for its "cool little town" vibe. For a post-walk refuel, you can’t beat Fat Pipi Pizza—their whitebait pizza is a local legend (when in season!). If you’re after a caffeine hit and a hearty sandwich, the Hokitika Sandwich Company offers some of the best artisanal subs in the country, perfect for taking down to the beach to watch the Tasman Sea rollers come in.

If you have a bit more energy left in the tank, head further inland to the Hokitika Gorge. The bright turquoise water and swing bridge are world-famous and make for the perfect photographic companion to your morning at Tunnel Terrace.

The Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk might be short, but it’s a perfect microcosm of what makes the West Coast so special: a blend of raw natural beauty, slightly eerie history, and that unmistakable feeling of being deep in the heart of the wild.