Tunnel Hotel

Amongst a group of islands,
Along the pathway to the sea
Past the beacon, penguins, seals and birds
Into the mouth of Otago Harbour
Lies Port Chalmers
Halfway to 'the place with corners’
Known for its rather high tides,
Steam engines, wildlife, natural beauty,
And dank, murderous stories...

Into the heart of it,
Beyond the five fingered intersection
Where rail lines meet port lines
And cargo and dreams travel the seas
Nestled in, beside the rail tunnel
Sits 'The Tunnel Hotel’
The first drinking hole
Established long before X marked the spot (est. 1845)
And possibly where Captain Scott raised his glass...

Locals have relished the salty environment
Throughout the ages
Casting their woes aside
To raise a toast to
The first port of call
Where many a song can been heard,
The meeting place where
All hums meet
All whistles harmonise
and tunnel boom meets sonic...