Snow chains in New Zealand in winter
 

We are leaving in 2 weeks for a 3+ week trip on the South Island. We have rented a medium size 4WD so we have better traction and also just a little more space. We plan to drive Arthur's Pass, down the west coast, to Te Anau, to Milford Sound, possibly to the Remarkables for tubing, to Mt. Cook and to Rakaia Gorge.

From what I understand, the only place we're required to have chains is the road to Milford Sound. Is that correct? Can we rent chains in Te Anau and if so, does anyone know the approximate cost for 1-2 day rental? Would we need to carry chains anywhere else?

We are renting with Avis and they do not include the chains. The cost is per day (up to 8 days). If we might need them somewhere else (or certainly if they are required somewhere else) then we will just rent them from Avis to have with us. However, if we'll only need them for the Milford Sound road and we can get them in town for a small rental fee, then we'll just plan to do that.

Any opinions or information on this? Thanks!

There might be an occasion if you are crossing other high alpine pass areas where you need chains, you could check the highway info website for General Warnings, the following is now posted

Winter Conditions Exist. Motorists Should Watch For Ice And Grit In Shaded Areas And Carry Chains If Travelling The Alpine Passes.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz

You might want to look at this link, too:

http://www.arthurspass.com/index.php?page=235

Thanks for both of those links. I hadn't found seen the Arthurs Pass one before. That one is really useful for the Arthurs Pass area.

We spent 2 months in NZ in a campervan in winter 2008 and saw all sorts of weather from sunshine and 75f to driving snow and frost. We asked about our rental company about snow chains as we had seen warning about them before we arrived. Their advice was that if we met up with severe weather we should just wait for the snow to be cleared. Quite honestly, the thougth of putting the chains on and off would not be worth the effort - I would just change route. Keep an eye on the forecasts and ask the locals about road conditions.

Been to the SI twice in winter. On both occasions the rental company provided chains but we never needed them - the roads were always kept clear of snow. I'm thinking 4WD will likely be overkill. Some roads could be closed, not because of snow on the road, but because of avalanche danger from above.

I agree that the 4WD is unnecessary. There are a few unpaved roads but I wouldn't be driving them in bad weather, as RalphR says the danger is not from the road bed.

I have not traveled in full on winter, but one "summer" there was forecast snow at Arthur's Pass and the lodging was very accommodating about rescheduling me so that I wouldn't have to drive in bad weather.

Thanks all. Based on your responses we'll pass on the chains and just rent them in Te Anau for the day if they are required on Milford Sound Road. Also good to know we probably won't need the 4WD. We wanted a little extra space and it was actually cheaper to go with the medium SUV than the wagon or intermediate car. I realize it might cost more in petrol but I think it will be good for us and we'll have 4WD just in case.

Hi STW -

We're on the SI at the moment - we rented snow chains when we picked up our rental car for an add'l $25, but haven't needed them yet. No snow!

Thanks for the update melnq8. What part of the SI have you been to so far on this trip?

Arrived in Christchurch, headed for Geraldine for a night. Then it was on to Glenorchy for three nights, then to Wanaka for three nights, then to Franz Josef for two nights, and then Arthur's Pass for two nights...

Currently in Nelson, staying on a small vineyard in Hope. Will spend three nights here, then it's on to Takaka, then Picton and finally Waipara Valley (40 minutes north of Christchurch).

We've had a few cold windy days, but no snow, other than the snow covered mountain tops of course. Had a bit of frost on 73 coming off Arthur's Pass this morning, but it was sanded and was no problem whatsoever.

Enjoy Waipara. My favorite spots for a bit of tasting are Pegasus Bay (of course) and two small ones, Torlesse and Waipara Springs (not Hills). There is a good chance your pourer will be one of the owners/winemaker.