HOMER TUNNEL, MILFORD SOUND & OVERNIGHT DOUBTFUL SOUND
Driving to Milford Sound
Homer Tunnel
The Homer Tunnel is a 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long road tunnel in the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand. The tunnel was opened in 1953. New Zealand State Highway 94 passes through the tunnel, joining Milford Sound to Te Anau and Queenstown.
Milford Sound
State Highway 94 to Milford Sound. Apparently one of the best drives in all of New Zealand. We had done the overnight cruise on Doubtful sound. Highly recommended and very enjoyable. Our self-drive schedule allowed for a rest day in Te Anau and a tour of the Te Anau glowworm caves with a boat ride on the underground river. I was keen on the Milford Sound drive. Other's were not. So driving solo, I began the three hour return roadtrip to Milford Sound. Plenty of snow and ice about. Road clear. Snow chains not required. Very rewarding drive. However, on approach to Homer Tunnel entrance signs said daily tunnel closure 1pm sharp for road maintenance works. I estimated sixty minutes to return to the tunnel entrance from Milford Sound. I knew I was twenty minutes and 18 km from Milford Sound. I judged I had time to go and to return back through the tunnel with fifteen minutes to spare. I went for it. I purchased a can of coke in the shop opposite the boats. Milford Sound Village. Stood on the foreshore for two minutes jumped back in the car and drove back. Workers were in the process of closing the tunnel. Five minutes to spare. I arrived back in Te Anau. The point is, if I had missed the closure time I knew the little accommodation available in Milford Sound was fully booked. I would have had to sleep in the car overnight in sub zero temperatures. Basically derailing the rest of our holiday plans. With hindsight should have turned about before the tunnel. I allowed no room for lost time. The drive was one of the best done including all of Australia.
Sometimes you get lucky.
Doubtful Sound
Board the Fiordland Navigator for an overnight sleep and cruise on Doubtful Sound. Thirty minutes drive from Te Anau or three hours drive from Queenstown.
Itinerary begins in Manapouri. Travel across scenic Lake Manapouri by boat. Board a coach driving across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through rainforest. Arrive at Deep Cove wilderness area. Be met by crew and the Fiordland Navigator ship. Drop anchor in a cove for an overnight sleep in a private cabin. Enjoy kayaking and tender craft activities. Complete wilderness area. Doubtful Sound is surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls. The following day return around mid-day back across Lake Manapouri.
This particular booked cruise was met with frequent heavy rain upon boarding the Fiordland Navigator at the jetty on Deep Cove. Once underway the Captain picked a waterfall to allow the cascading water to flow onto the front bow of the ship. Passengers were allowed on the bow wearing full rain jackets underneath the falling water. A unique experience.
The next morning a PA announcement said all lights and power to be turned off for five minutes to let guests experience the tranquility of the natural peace and quite. However caught in the bathroom with no lights during this five minutes was not enjoyable.
The difference between the two Sounds? In sea area Doubtful Sound is about ten times larger than Milford. The mountains not quite as tall. Hard to tell a difference from the water. Milford Sound is accessible by car. Day activities are available. Doubtful Sound has no vehicle access and the only way to experience it is by overnight cruise. Doubtful Sound really feels like an adventure to forbidden lands. First the small ferry across the Lake. Then the modified mini bus ride over the range to the moored ship. The beginning of a day and night cruising total wilderness that would not be out of place in Jurassic Park. Just somewhat cooler and rainy.
Traveldriven
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MANAPOURI GOOGLE MAPS
Fiordland Navigator sailing Doubtful Sound
Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound
TE ANAU CAVE TOUR & CRUISE
AVALANCHE SIGN BESIDE ROAD
COLD AIR TEMP ALL DAY
DRIVING THROUGH THE HOMER TUNNEL
