We are so eager to visit NZ . Their summer months, however, do not coincide with our vacation times. Therefore we are considering a trip for several weeks in early August.

Will the driving in the South Island be dangerous due to ice /snow at that time, or will it be mostly clear ?

Will there be any chance of being able to do some outdoor hiking in any parts of the South Island ?

Is this a really bad idea or should we go ahead ? Statistically, can we count on anything ?

I appreciate your help.

I posted a similar query last July, and received some helpful and encouraging advice.

I am checking for any further advice . I heard last winter was very mild.

I went to NZ for the month of July a few years ago. I knew it was winter but like you it was the only time I could go. It was cold, I won't lie. I woke up on the 4th of July to a massive snowstorm which really threw me off balance. Sometimes the driving was tough but just allow for some extra time here and there in case of weather delays. For example, we had to postpone the helihike in Franz Josef for a day b/c it was raining/snowing. Whatever...if you have time to travel around then it's okay. I didn't go to Marlborough Sounds b/c of the time of year or Abel Tasman which I'm sure would have been terrific. But I got to see much of the North and South Islands and wore a lot of underwear so I came out unscathed. I'm also a huge skier so I spent a week skiing which was a special treat. Just go, NZ is amazing and you'll have a blast no matter what.

We went in January, but I wanted to echo the sentiment of the previous poster and say GO! It will be worth it no matter the weather. Allow yourselves a little extra time for driving between places, and realize that you don't have a lot of daylight so plan activities accordingly.
Photos of Queenstown in winter, with the snowy peaks dropping dramatically into the Lake, are breathtaking!
And BTW, it isn't too warm in summer either. IMHO your biggest disadvantage will be the difference in daylight hours.

We've been to the South Island in early September a few times. We prefer to visit in the off season, when we pretty much have the place to ourselves. Sure, the weather can be iffy, but NZ weather is unpredictable year round, so don't let weather concerns dictate when you travel. The off season is a good time to get great deals on lodging too (with the possible exception of ski resorts).

We always hike on our trips to NZ, regardless of the time of year. Before you go, you can research what tracks are closed by visiting the DOC site:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002%7...alks/index.asp

In my experience, tracks are only closed if they've been damaged by bad weather, or if bridges have been removed for the season. The huts DO close however, so multi day hikes may present a problem.

If you're just looking for some day hikes though, you'll be spoiled for choice.

On every trip to NZ we pack a fleece jacket and a waterproof layer to fit over the fleece. If you plan on doing quite a bit of hiking, you'll do well to also pack some rain pants, a hat and gloves.

As far as roads, I don't remember seeing any snow/ice except on the road to Milford and on Haast Pass.

Go and have fun.

Thanks everybody for the encouragement to proceed! I feel more ressured. I am especially glad to hear there will always be some hiking available.