Homer Tunnel
Homer Tunnel
4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
552 reviews
Excellent
245
Very good
205
Average
91
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Stu T
Tauranga, New Zealand154 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
After the obligatory stop at Monkey Creek, the road continues up and if you didn't know there was a tunnel, you might start to wonder how on earth the road will get through the mountains.
You hit a sheer rock wall but luckily there's a convenient tunnel through it.
We couldn't stop as there was still an avalanche danger. It was a pity as it's a great spot to stop and wonder around when you're able to.
The tunnel is one-way with traffic lights. There's a timer with the countdown to the next green light, which is helpful.
It's a steep gradient and fun to drive through.
Coming out on the Milford Sound side, the scenery is even more spectacular.
Without the international tourists, it was blissfully quiet, which made it even better. I dread the day that the floodgates open and it gets overwhelmed again.
You hit a sheer rock wall but luckily there's a convenient tunnel through it.
We couldn't stop as there was still an avalanche danger. It was a pity as it's a great spot to stop and wonder around when you're able to.
The tunnel is one-way with traffic lights. There's a timer with the countdown to the next green light, which is helpful.
It's a steep gradient and fun to drive through.
Coming out on the Milford Sound side, the scenery is even more spectacular.
Without the international tourists, it was blissfully quiet, which made it even better. I dread the day that the floodgates open and it gets overwhelmed again.
Written 26 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LPHDK
Copenhagen, Denmark1,072 contributions
Jan 2020
We had read that it could take up to 30 minutes to pass, and I did not quite understand it until we got there.
The tunnel is 1200 meters and one way! It takes about 2½ minute to drive though (I timed it). When you are leaving Miford Sound right after the tunnel (before going the other way) there is some pretty amazing views.
The tunnel is 1200 meters and one way! It takes about 2½ minute to drive though (I timed it). When you are leaving Miford Sound right after the tunnel (before going the other way) there is some pretty amazing views.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blincs1
Auckland Central, New Zealand33 contributions
Aug 2020
First visit to Milford Sound so didn't know what to expect, but I knew there were Kea birds to be seen in entrance area/bush and land b efore the Homer Tunnel. I wasn't disappointed.
Had to wait for about 10 minutes before entering the tunnel which gave us time to see some of the birds and photograph them.
Driving thorugh the tunnel was fine and straight forward. Good one way light system which people followed.
Had to wait for about 10 minutes before entering the tunnel which gave us time to see some of the birds and photograph them.
Driving thorugh the tunnel was fine and straight forward. Good one way light system which people followed.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toon
Eindhoven, The Netherlands300 contributions
Nov 2019
The Homer tunnel is a straight 1270m long tunnel and connects Milford Sound with te Anau. Construction of the tunnel started in 1935 and opened in 1953. The access to the tunnel works through traffic lights and it is indicated how long you have to wait. If you have to wait enjoy the beautiful surroundings and waterfalls.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
megabite
Auckland22 contributions
Dec 2020
This is a one lane tunnel so there are stop and go lights each end, this is also not a flat tunnel so gong into Milford Sound its a downhill and the return is an uphill. The lighting is limited so its very cave like. But it's bored through solid rock and gives road access to a stunning part of New Zealand, it's an amazing feet and impressive.
Written 20 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExcitedTraveller1973
Hamilton, New Zealand228 contributions
Jul 2021
We ended up driving through the tunnel four times, but so worth it. Was a grotty rainy day (happens often there) but the drive is awesome and was great to reach the tunnel. We saw a Kea on the side of the road - was so awesome to see. Surprised at the speed that some people drove up to the tunnel - if you didn't see the bird I hate to think what might happen - or maybe the kea are on to it! Pretty amazing tunnel.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Found_Lost_Key
New Zealand1,185 contributions
Jul 2020
Its a great piece of engineering really, interesting history of the tunnel. Its a one way tunnel, controlled by traffic lights. And with a bit of luck you'll strike a red light so you can stop and enjoy the amazing scenery, at both ends of the tunnel.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwiintheus
Levin, New Zealand195 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Have to wait before entering the tunnel as it is one way only and on our return had workers in there. Didn’t mind the wait as a Kea provided some great entertainment
Written 22 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mechelle M
Lower Hutt, New Zealand342 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
This is a marvel when you consider how it was built. A stepback in time in a short drive ! The only way to milford but worthy of a photo or three
Written 2 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric A
Sudbury, UK136 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
You can only access this in escorted coaches under convoy. There is no stopping or chance of photos. Our driver gave us a potted history and details of the tunnel construction.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do the traffic lights for the tunnel work in September?
Written 13 June 2018
Yes the traffic lights work all year round 365 days regardless of the weather. great trip to do to get to Milford sound. The lights allow one way traffic through the tunnel, usually have a twenty minute wait either side.
Written 14 June 2018
not at all. it's free of charge and you need to pass the tunnel to go to Milford sound. only way.
Written 3 November 2017
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