Pros & cons
PROS
- Glowworms in a natural, non‑commercial tunnel experience
- Hands‑on gold‑mining history you literally walk through
CONS
- Cold, ankle‑deep water means dry feet are unlikely
- No through‑route: the track stops inside the far end of the first tunnel
No designated lot noted; trail begins at the end of Cowan Street in Franz Josef / Waiau.
Inside the tunnel expect ankle‑deep, very cold water and complete darkness—use a headlamp and stable footwear. The formed track ends just inside the far end due to damaged structures; do not proceed beyond barriers. Conditions change quickly with rain; avoid after heavy rain or rising river levels and check Department of Conservation track alerts. No dogs.
Overview
A quirky mix of West Coast rainforest and gold‑rush engineering, the Tatare Tunnels Walk is a 3.6 km/2.24 mi return out‑and‑back that most walkers polish off in about 1 hr 20 min. It’s mostly easy going with a short steeper, narrower section near the end—great for families or anyone who wants an adventure that doesn’t eat the day.
Route
From the end of Cowan Street in Franz Josef / Waiau, the track initially shares the first few minutes with the Callery Gorge Walk along an old 4WD road. It climbs gently before narrowing and steepening toward Tatare Gorge and the tunnel entrance. Expect lush, dripping-green forest with ferns and moss and the occasional peek into the gorge. Rough elevation gain is in the 120–130 m range.
Inside the tunnels
This is the fun bit—and where unprepared feet get a shock. The tunnel floor usually holds ankle‑deep, cold water. Surfaces can be slippery and it’s pitch black, so a headlamp/torch is essential. Turn your light off for a minute and let your eyes adjust to spot glowworms on the ceiling. The formed track ends just inside the far end of the first tunnel due to damaged structures beyond; it’s an in‑and‑out, not a through‑trip.
What to bring
Headlamp or torch (phone lights are weak), waterproof layers, and footwear you’re happy to soak—gumboots, sturdy sandals, or shoes that drain. Dry socks for the car are a morale booster. A small first‑aid kit and a dry bag for electronics are smart extras.
Safety and conditions
Weather flips fast on the West Coast. Avoid entering after heavy rain or if rivers are rising, and expect the water level to vary. Conditions and access can change, so check Department of Conservation track alerts before you go. No dogs.
Best time to hike
This is a solid short outing year‑round and can be a good rainy‑day option if levels are safe. For glowworms, you don’t need night—just pause inside and switch off the light. Earlier or later in the day tends to feel quieter around the tunnels.
Elevation
2.2 mi · 1.3 hrWhere it starts
-43.3879, 170.1850Wildlife on this trail
Near Tatare Tunnels Walk
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayCallery Gorge BridgeHistoric swing bridge over a turquoise, narrow gorgeScenic Viewpoint
0.1 mi awayCallery Gorge WalkForest ramble to a turquoise gorge and a lonely swing bridge.Moderate · 3.2 mi · 1.7 hr
0.3 mi awayGlacier Base BuildingYour go‑to HQ for trail info, bookings, and glacier know‑howVisitor Center · Restroom
0.3 mi awayTerrace WalkEasy rainforest stroll with glowworms minutes from Franz Josef villageEasy · 1.1 mi · 30 min
0.3 mi awayWestland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor CentreDOC hub for glacier intel and trip planningVisitor Center · Exhibit
0.7 mi awayCanavan's KnobQuick climb to a granite knob with glacier, river and sea viewsTrailhead · Parking
1.7 mi awayAlex Knob TrackKnockout glacier views, no chopper—just a long, steady grindChallenging · 10.7 mi · 8 hr
1.7 mi awayLake Wombat TrackGentle forest climb to a tranquil kettle lake near Franz JosefEasy · 2.4 mi · 1.5 hr
