Project Overview

In the 1870s NZ Railways built two tunnels that by 1911 were redundant. We want to open the Chain Hills tunnel and Lookout Point tunnels back up to walkers, cyclists, scooters, recreationalists, commuters, and tourists to see a special bit of our Victorian heritage and make it easy for us young or old to connect with each other. The trail will follow the old railway alignment between Wingatui and Caversham, which was in use from 1880 until 1910 It includes 2 currently disused Victorian Railway Tunnels.

The trail will provide an amenity that can be used by everyone.  It offers a flat dedicated walking and cycling route with no vehicular traffic connecting the fast growing town of Mosgiel to Dunedin city centre, while passing through and close to suburbs where many potential users of the trail live, such as Fairfield, Abbotsford and Green Island.

As the Southern gateway to the city it will also connect Dunedin to the wider network of trails throughout Otago and the rest of the country.

The original project, planned in 2022 and submitted to NZTA early 2024 was then declined by NZTA due to Government funding priority changes.  The Dunedin City Council and the Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust have continued on with a reduced but still functional project. In November 2025 a $2M grant from MBIE was announced for the continuation of the project into Stages 2 & 3.

^{Map and stages updated Dec 2025}

 

The trail will …

• be largely off-road and relatively flat, making it easier to cycle or walk and a more attractive alternative option for everyday commuting and recreational cycling and walking for all ages between Dunedin city centre, Caversham, Burnside, Green Island, Abbotsford, Fairfield and Mosgiel city centre
• provide a safer and user-friendly path through two decommissioned railway tunnels (Chain Hills and Caversham), along the old railway line, existing road network, and access through private property
  Safety and security measures include fencing along the old railway tracks, signage and lighting through the tunnels and along the trail route
• link through to other cycle networks.

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