Homer tunnel advice

**Virago** · 16th July 2010, 18:50

Ooh, almost forgot - there's no petrol available at Milford Sound any more. Gas up at Te Anau before starting (242km return trip).

Edit - beaten by Cynic by a few seconds...

**RiderInBlack** · 16th July 2010, 19:19

If Ya have to choose between Glasses or Contacts, ALWAYS choose ya CONTACTS. Found that out the hard way the first time I rode Homer Tunnel, it was fine on the Te Anau side, so didn't change ta my Contacts. Bad mistake (or I should say "Mist-take"), Mountain mist was blowing up the tunnel from the Milford side and the tunnel was greasy. I was so badly misted-up coming out of the Milford side, I nearly missed to left hand corner as I exited, even though I was down ta crawl pace.
Coming back up was piss easy, and since then I use contacts every time. Makes it so much easier.

PS: The Kea are really friendly on Te Anau side as ya wait for the Tunnel Lights ta change. Just don't leave ya bike unattended

**cheshirecat** · 16th July 2010, 19:29

Did it a couple of years ago and a couple of pointers.

First it descends in two stages, the second appearing steeper than it is and it's only when entering this second stage the end is visible. Taking it as slow as you feel comfortable and explaining to the car behind a good idea. The surface is or was intermittent gravel /tar seal with potholes - just like the average grade A state highway . There are bays you can let cars overtake if they are tailgating. The return is fine.

Transport NZ had kindly resurfaced the hairpins exiting the tunnel with ball bearing chippings causing the car ahead to roll. I got down keeping to 20kph/less

**Gremlin** · 17th July 2010, 03:00

go to the light

**DIN PELENDA** · 17th July 2010, 03:15

Did it with my girl just before New-year , even that I post for some advice about trip no one worn me about Homer tunnel , I jump the Que so we were first one in and I didn't like to hold up anyone, so I let it roll down and changing gears up , going down on fully loaded bike pick up speed weary quick I think I gone over 60 km/h, even slowly applying brakes on wet I hit pot hole and just manage to keep bike up from there was just slow ride to end of it , so what last post say abut keeping speed to 20 km , apply brakes with ease and most of the time, keep it in low gear. Going back up it is ease , enjoy your ride.
This girl did it.

**mr-burger** · 17th July 2010, 17:13

Thanks for your replies people, some good stuff. Head towards the light still has me chuckling!! Can't remember the passing places but feel more confident now. Ta

**SMOKEU** · 17th July 2010, 18:42

Originally Posted by jim.cox

Remember to take your sunnies off before entering the tunnel - DAMHIK

I always ride through tunnels with my sunnies on. I have to look at the centre line to see where I'm going. It's all part of the fun.

**scumdog** · 17th July 2010, 19:20

Originally Posted by jim.cox

and waterfalls

and huge potholes you can't see

And water falling from the roof in places at times.

**Jantar** · 17th July 2010, 19:38

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I always ride through tunnels with my sunnies on. I have to look at the centre line to see where I'm going. It's all part of the fun.

When did they put a centerline in the Homer? Last time I did it it was still one way and controlled by lights.

**SMOKEU** · 17th July 2010, 19:57

Originally Posted by Jantar

When did they put a centerline in the Homer? Last time I did it it was still one way and controlled by lights.

That's what I do through the Lyttelton tunnel anyway.

**oldrider** · 17th July 2010, 20:07

Just be wary of the buses, some drivers can be arrogant bolshy bastards and care less about any other road users around them.

Otherwise just enjoy one of the best rides in the world!

**_Shrek_** · 17th July 2010, 22:10

was through there today lots of black ice & grit will head back in the summer & make a it a 2 dayer covered 800ks aprox today so heading for bed

some real

on that road but most were good to deal with & moved over when you came up behind them

NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS, it's two way now & there is passing bays, there are some dull lights in the tunnel it self, & reflectors on the sides, so you can see where you're going a little but you still need lights on, we had no probs, but do watch it when going down hill as those coming up don't always stay to the left (bloody tourists) so just kick back & enjoy the

or drive

(ps we took the 4X4 coz 4 of us wouldn't fit on bike)

**TimeOut** · 18th July 2010, 05:55

The first time I did it on a bike the lights were off due to avalanche danger on the east end, so no stopping.

If the lights aren't working and it's two way it pays to tuck in behind a bus or camper van so they can clear the way

**Frodo** · 18th July 2010, 06:28

This is a fair question. When I went through a couple of years ago I hit a pot hole that was about the size of a small bath and I guess about a foot deep. Luckily my 19inch front wheel went through and I stayed upright. When I exited the downhill end, I met a guy on a BMW road bike who had cracked his rim on the same pothole. If there are no potholes, the ride through is easy. The trouble is that the glare and reflections make it difficult to see the pot holes. My only suggestion is to clean your visor (there was water dripping from above so I kept mine down), ride at a moderate pace and keep a lookout. The tunnel is not very long and I would trust (expect) following drivers to be considerate - other than bus drivers, so let them go ahead.

**_Shrek_** · 18th July 2010, 08:51

Originally Posted by scumdog

And water falling from the roof in places at times.

there has been iron or some sort of sheet placed up & over the sides & top now the water runs down the edge of the road

Originally Posted by Frodo

This is a fair question. When I went through a couple of years ago I hit a pot hole that was about the size of a small bath and I guess about a foot deep. .

we found no pot holes a bit damp & uneven in places but other wise road in good order