[mathmussim]

Just a quick question on the winter road conditions. Planning a trip in July/Aug timeframe, and wonder if there could be treacherous conditions, particularly in South Island. For example, would the roads from Christchurch to Queenstown be clear? Do most folks carry chains? I'd hate to get stuck somewhere (although it might not be all that bad, depending where it happened).

Thanks -

John

[GeorgeM]

Roads can be treacherous during the winter months, but normally the worst only lasts for a couple of days at most. Unfortunately you can't predict when those couple of days will be. Travelling in the South Island often means negotiating high country passes and from time to time these can become a bit tricky, but under normal circumstances even in the winter they are clear and easy to drive on. The Lindis pass (Between Wanaka and Twizel) only gets closed for a couple of days each year.

I would, however, recommend carrying chains when touring in the South Island during the winter months even if you have a 4WD - you never know when the weather can turn cold and you may need them.

But having said this if you were to pick a 2 week period at random it's probably unlikely that you'd encounter any snow on the roads unless you were to drive up to the ski fields.