Milford Sound tunnel clears first hurdle

A $150 million tunnel to cut travel time between Queenstown and Milford Sound has cleared the first hurdle with the Department of Conservation approving a proposed change to the Mount Aspiring National Park Management Plan.

Otago conservator Jeff Connell said, if approved, the plan change - open for public submission until May 12 - would allow only the roading part of the proposal to be considered.

Milford Dart Ltd unveiled its tunnel plans in December.