nz/could I go in mid Sept to the south island
 

We are thinking of renting a small motor home and touring the south island for 10 days. Our first time. Is mid Sept a good month to 50-60 degrees is great for us, but really do not want to deal with much snow or raining weather? Is this a rainy season? Thanks for your help

Hi Jim<BR>We have funny old climate here in NZ. The coldest and snowy weather in the South Island is right now. About 7degree C max (45F) today over most of the South Island, heavy frost but a glorious day over the whole country clear and cold, about 13degree C (60 F) in the Bay of Plenty. But by September the South Island snow has largely stopped and apart from the West Coast they don't get a lot of rain, in fact rather dry in Otago. We have holidayed in September and it has been sweater days, outdoor eating etc. You will be fine and I think that you will think that it is spring time. I have driven on mountain roads at that time of year without any problems. <BR>It is the North Island that has the late snow, icy conditions and rain in September/October. An indicator is that the ski season finishes end of September on a lot of South Is. fields but is open until November in the North Is. Have a great trip.<BR>Kerry

Hi Jim <BR>Two years ago we went the same time frame in Sept. and loved it. Nights <BR>were a little cold at times , but no big deal. We also had a campervan. Had such a great time we are going back this year <BR>same time frame as you. You'll really love it. Not a lot of people then. People are real friendly. If I can answer any questions for you feel free <BR>to e-mail me.Enjoy your trip.

We are planning all our time in the south island NZ. We do not think we will have enough time to see any of the northern island - due to driving distance & the ferry trip between both islands may delay us up to 2 days plus very costly $190 each way. I really feel we may be cheating ourselves not seeing any of Australia or the North Island during our stay - in our time frame scheduled I think it would be too tight. What do you think. We may be adding 3 more days but that's all we can possible squeeze in for time off work. But really that's all air flight travel time - but then we would have 10 days on land instead of 7 - which is a real plus. We enjoy seeing the sights not the adventure of long hike trips or rafting experiences - just want to enjoy nature camping around NZ in the parks & enjoy some nice restarants & wines, and the people that live there. This will probably be our only time we will every have this opportunity. Are we missing a lot not seeing Australia (the GBR) would be my only real concern as we are not beach lovers, and maybe the rainforest - but the state of Washington Olympic Park is suppose to have one of the largest rainforest and that's right here in the USA. And like I said going to the North Island my biggest concern is the costly/delayed 2 day travel time each way because we have a campervan. That's why of the all the areas we choose the South to spend our time. Would you please give us your thoughts on this matter. We have decide to go the first two weeks in October - maybe a little less rain, we hope. We are a couple are range 51-56 but love be one the go continously & see all there is so see plus enjoying eating where the locals dining. Thanks for taking the time to response and read my reply. Hope we hear from you. Thanks

I live in the North Island and definitely think you should spend all your time in the South Island - it is breathtakingly beautiful and 10 days will disappear. <BR>Lots of American visitors do Australia and NZ in their 2 week vacation and they consistently leave NZ saying " I had no idea - I should have spent all my time just in NZ" Sadly Australia is so big that travel times make doing both places completely out of the question (and I love Australia)