Christchurch - Tekapo - Mt. Cook - Twizel - Queenstown
 

Planning to drive from CHC all through to Queenstown from 3rd October 13th October 2009.
Wanted to know whether snow chains are required during this time.
Also, do rental car provide snow chains?

Any tips would be much appreciated.

NZ car rental companies will supply snow chains at an additional cost if requested.

We've visited the SI of NZ in the dead of winter several times and we've never needed snow chains. The only snow we've ever encountered on the highway was on Haast Pass, and it wasn't deep.

We've even driven to Milford Sound in the dead of winter and never needed snow chains, as the road is plowed following snowstorms. Yes, they sometimes close this road to blast for avalanches, and yes, this road gets a lot of snow, but they try to reopen it as soon as possible.

I really doubt you'll enounter any snow on the main roads in October. Sure, there's always the chance of a freak storm, but I kinda doubt it.

Thanks for the reply Melnq8. that helps

Hi all,

Just adding to my query.
Looking for a nice 2 bedroom serviced apartment accomodation during my visit to South Island. Any recommended accomodation in Christchurch, Queenstown?
Also, planning to stay either at the hermitage hotel (Mt. Cook) or Lake Tekapo. Basically want to experience the scenice flight with a glacier landing. So which is the better option?

Would it be a good idea to stay at Te Anau before proceeding to Milford Sound?

Thanks in advance for your tips! :-)

We like Villa De Lago in Queenstown - they have two bedroom units.

I believe scenic flights to Mt Cook leave from Tekapo, Mt Cook and Franz Josef. There are more services and places to stay in Tekapo, but you're pretty captive in Mt Cook, so it really boils down to personal preference. I stayed at the Hermitage years ago, and felt it was really overrated, but I'm a bit jaded.

Te Anau is a perfect base for Milford Sound, especially if you enjoy walking, as the area is walking nirvana. We spent four nights there on our last visit and could have easily stayed longer. The Croft B&B is an excellent lodging option in Te Anau.