Tatare Tunnels & Rainforest Walk
Explore the hand-drilled water tunnels built in the 1930s through solid rock, surrounded by West Coast rainforest alive with native birds and glowworms.
- 1
Tatare Tunnels Trailhead
The track begins on the edge of the village, crossing the Tatare Stream and entering the lush rainforest that surrounds Franz Josef on all sides.
- 2
Depression-Era Tunnel Entry
The tunnels were drilled by hand during the 1930s Depression to bring water to the village — the engineering feat using basic tools through hard rock is remarkable.
- 3
Glowworm Grotto
Inside one of the tunnels, native glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa) illuminate the ceiling with their bioluminescent light — a magical underground spectacle.
- 4
Rainforest Fern Gully
Emerging from the tunnels, the path continues through a lush fern gully dripping with moisture — the West Coast's extraordinary rainfall creates perpetual greenness.
- 5
Tatare Stream Crossing
The stream crossing via stepping stones is only possible in low water — after heavy rain the stream rises quickly, a reminder of the West Coast's volatile weather.
- 6
Rainforest Loop Return
The loop return passes through a particularly beautiful section of mature podocarp forest — kahikatea, matai, and rimu soaring 50 metres above the track.