NZ Road Conditions in August
 

Can anyone please advise what we can expect the road conditions to be like driving from Greymouth to Fox Glacier in late August?I've done a few searches to try to find out but have not been successful. Is it likely there would be snow on the road along this route?
Thanks in advance

Hi Stormbird

If you are sticking to the West Coast only then you will probably find that you will have rain but almost certainly no snow. It is very rare for there to be snow on the west coast given the weather patterns down there. The East coast though is a different kettle of fish and in August there can be snow in the mountain passes and (rarely) down to sea level towrd the East Coast.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Kiwi_acct - we were a little reluctant to hire a car if we were going to be driving in snow but now we will definitely hire one and be able to enjoy the scenery at our own pace.
Many thanks
Stormer

Hello Stormbird

If you have the time whilst you are on the West Coast head North for a little bit to Punakaiki. This is not too far north of Greymouth, just 40 Minutes. If you time it to arrive at high tide you will see the blow hole in full glory, especially if there is a bit of a sea running. The area around there is very picturesque as well. There is also a restaurant to have lunch at.

For something slightly cheesy but it gives you an idea about the early gold rush days, there is Shantytown, 10 kms south of Greymouth. You get the chance to pan for your own gold.

http://www.shantytown.co.nz/

Your drive onward from there to Fox is only about another 2:30 so you will probably have plenty of time to explore. Even call in at Franz Josef on the way down and check out the glacier there as well.

Hello Kiwi_acct, Thanks very much for the information. We'd love to do that side trip up to Punakaiki - sounds good and yes we have plenty of time for a slight deviation. Will let you know how we found Punakaiki (I do love blow holes - there's a doozy over in Western Australia at Quobba - we stayed there for hours)

We will definitely be doing Franz Josef as well. From what I've read though I get the impression that Fox Glacier is a preferred place to stay/eat/dine etc, would you agree with this opinion?
Regards
Stormbird

Of Fox and FJ I have only stayed at Fox. Though this is more than once. I have natrually been through FJ as well though, but only to grab a bite to eat at a cafe.

I like Fox as it is a pretty laid back place. Not very big at all. The pub is full of locals who are very down to earth. West Coasters certainly are that is for sure.

As far as staying at FJ is concerned , I know some of the other users on this board have done so. They will of course be able to offer better information.