The most epic and the second hardest bike climb in New Zealand.

Cycling Highway 94 to Homer Tunnel, New Zealand

We parked about seven kilometers south of the climb start near Milford Sound.

The climb begins just across the bridge over Cleddau River, about seven kilometers south of Miford Sound.

Climb summary by PJAMM Cycling’s Brad Butterfield.

I'm most definitely guilty of proclaiming that whichever new jaw-dropping climb I have currently done is “the most epic climb ever.” And maybe there is no true climb in that top spot. There are too many variables and metrics by which to measure an “epic” climb. That said, Highway 94 to Homer tunnel is without doubt (in my humble opinion) in the top 20 most “epic climbs” I’ve ever done, and I’ve cycled the top climbs in over 20 countries.  The true climb starts about seven kilometers south of the small outpost of Milford Sound, which was first settled by a lone Scotsman and his dog. Eventually, word got around of the area’s staggering beauty and tourists began pouring in. Thanks to the popularity, work was done to construct the Homer tunnel, which took nearly 20 years to complete and in 1954 road access to the Sound was finally available.

As you ride out from Milford Sound you’ll cross over three one-way bridges over the Cleddau River while winding through some amazingly dense forest.

The rock and mountain formations along this climb are stunning. We ride through a canyon bordered by sheer rock walls from around the 7 to 8 kilometer mark.

About two-thirds of the way up, you find yourself surrounded on three sides by absolute bohemeths of solid rock shooting up in jagged formations piercing any clouds in the sky. It is one of the most amazing natural sites I have ever seen in person. Switchbacks take you closer and closer to the steep face of the mountain ahead until there is nowhere to go but through. This is our finish, the entrance to the Homer Tunnel, which is a man-made wonder in its own right.

Homer Tunnel - we finish just before the tunnel.