pasha

Going to Neq Zealand in mid-july for 12 days. I realize it is winter but just how cold is it and what about the travel condictions by car, plane, bus, etc.

RalphR

I spent a week touring the South Island with my family in July 04. We had mostly beautiful weather. Cool in the day (lows 50's 60s F), frosty at night (lows in the 20/30s F). We were able to drive everywhere, no roads had been cut off by snow. I had similar weather during a visit in Aug 86, though on this occassion snow had cut off road access to Milford Sound from Te Anau. It wouldn't be a bad good idea to monitor weather and road conditions on the South Island when you get there. For example, you wouldn't want to get stuck on the wrong side of mountains if you had an afternoon flight scheduled out of Christchurch and the road through Arthurs Pass was closed.

jossin

Try the train called TRANSSCENIC RAILWAY. Try Air NewZealand to fly to differnet places. I have been to NewZealnd once and found that there are nice accomodations,easy transfers etc. The people are friendly. The one invaluable asset for my trip was the government sponsored travel program called "I-SITE",basically they are all over in major cities and have everything from travel maps,books,brochures and will even arrange tours,trips,hotels and more!

Melnq8

Hi pasha -

I've been to NZ a few times in late winter/early spring and we're going again this August. We had similiar weather to what Ralph described, but
during one visit Milford Sound cruises
were cancelled due to high wind - apparently this was unusual as it had only happened twice in several years.

The Milford Road was also closed 15 days in September that year (also unusual) due to heavy snow and avalanche danger.

The Milford Track and sections of the Kepler and Routeburn tracks were also closed due to weather related track damage.

Otherwise, we didn't encounter any adverse road conditions and we had no problems getting around.

You should expect just about any kind of weather as NZ's weather is unpredictible year round. Dress in layers and make sure you take a waterproof layer, as it will very likely rain at some point.

Personally, I love the SI of NZ in winter - all those snow capped mountains!

Be flexible and you'll no doubt have a great trip.

RalphR

I'll second Melnq8. There can be few places on earth as beautiful as the South Island on clear days in winter.

heathy

VERY cold at present. I smell snow. Expect the worse - but then again ...

heathy

oops worst

swagman

Depends on where you come from. If you are used to the tropics, NZ is certainly very cold in winter.

But then again, just imagine yourself on the shores of Lake Wanaka with its glass surface and the backdrop of snow capped peaks - wow, what a sight!

s

heathy

Hi Pasha
Bring your winter woollies !

A number of active troughs passed east of the
country over the last six days bringing periods of heavy rain and snow. Several mountain roads were closed and snow fell on Wellington's hill suburbs. Some schools in Central Otago were closed.

pasha

Just returned from NZ...there July 13-22...and coming from the north Georgia mountains, I thought the weather was very mild. I never needed the gloves, hats, etc. I had taken and rarely needed a morning jacket. It did rain a few days and even had a light snow the last day we were there but again it was the dead of their winter and it was like our March/April weather.

heathy

Hi Pasda
I do hope you had a good time. Glad the weather wasn't too cold . The weather in NZ is so unpredictable. Yesterday I saw my first "spring " lambs and daffodils. Today is sunny and quite warm. Four weeks ago it was very bracing. July this year has brought snow, rain, frosts and sunshine. Typical winter weather ?

Melnq8

I hope you enjoyed your trip Pasha - we leave in a week and hope we get the same weather you did.